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Keeping Seniors Safe in Cold Weather

All of us get cold in the winter, but seniors are even more prone to being unable to warm up easily during those cold months. Most of us grew up with our mothers warning us we would get sick if we’re cold, but this is especially true with elderly people. They really can get dangerously sick just from being cold. Why is that? Read on…

Seniors lose body heat very quickly. Even faster than children do! As we age, it can sometimes be difficult to gauge how cold we are, which can make hypothermia a very real threat to seniors.

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia happens when your core body temp drops too low. Normal body temperature is 98.6, although it’s perfectly normal for that to fluctuate depending on the person. For seniors, they can easily become chilled and if their temperature drops below 95 degrees, they are at risk for heart attacks, hypothermia or liver, and kidney function problems. If you are a caretaker or even around a senior loved one often, make sure they stay warm by having a lap blanket or sweater on as often as needed. They may not feel how cold they are, so be aware and keep them in layers when possible. Just doing these simple things go a long way in preventing a serious case of hypothermia.

Keep the House Warm

Whether your older adult lives alone or with a family member, take steps to keep their living space warm. Hypothermia can even happen when rooms in a nursing home are kept too chilly. You certainly don’t need to jack the heat up to uncomfortable levels, but during the winter, stay alert and aware of how cold the house is and making sure seniors are dressed appropriately. Keeping the temperature inside the home at least 68 degrees should be the goal. Also, if your senior loved one is already sickly, being cold can be all the more dangerous.

Here are some tips to keep the senior in your life warm enough:

  • Keep the house at least 68 degrees.
  • Close off rooms that are not used to save money on heating bills. You can also place rolled up towels at the base of the door to prevent cold drafts from coming in. Make sure basements are kept closed tightly.
  • Check the windows of your home to prevent any cold air coming in. If you can put your hand near the window and feel any draft at all, you will need to have the windows sealed or replaced.
  • Keep soft, thick socks on at all times and use slippers if it’s safe. Keep in mind, slippers can be a trip hazard if the senior has balance issues, so thick socks are a better choice.
  • Use thermal underwear as an extra layer when sleeping.
  • Electric blankets are helpful but it’s best to keep them on a low setting or buy one that has an automatic shut-off after a certain amount of time.
  • Eat well! Good food produces good fat which helps to keep us warm.
  • Limit alcohol. Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause you to lose body heat, despite what most people think.
  • Always have a plan in place in case of a power outage. Keep seniors safe by checking on them often and arranging for them to stay with a friend or relative should loss of power occur.

If your senior loved one uses a space heater, make sure it is one that is rated for safety. These heaters can be a fire hazard or even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Before buying a space heater, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to find out which heaters are the safest.

Finally, be aware of the signs of hypothermia. It can be tough to tell if someone is in hypothermia, but some signs include confusion, difficulty speaking clearly or lethargy.

For more information on cold weather safety for seniors and how to spot and prevent hypothermia, please contact us!

Home Helpers of San Mateo County is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in Burlingame, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Millbrae, Montara, and San Bruno, California.

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2017 Exceptional Caregiver Finalist

Congratulations to Renee Saxton, Our 2017 Exceptional Caregiver of the Year Finalist!

In honor of Home Helpers’ 20th anniversary in 2017, 20 caregivers were selected as semi-finalists in this year’s Exceptional Caregiver of the Year Awards. From that group, 10 finalists were selected to travel to San Diego for the Home Helpers National Conference, where one Exceptional Caregiver of the Year will be announced.

We at Home Helpers of San Mateo County are very proud to announce that one of our very own exceptional caregivers, Renee Saxton, is one of the 2017 Finalists!

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Communicating with Dementia Patients

Witnessing a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be a very painful experience. As they progress in the disease, memory problems become more noticeable. Eventually, that impairment causes the loss of self and they may not even recognize their friends and family. Communication with loved ones who have dementia can be tricky at times, but not impossible.

Keep in mind that even though your loved one seems like an “empty shell” of who they once were, there are ways to have meaningful conversation with them. Some days will be better than others, but there is still a wonderful person behind the disease.

Here are some tips on how to communicate with your loved one with dementia.

  1. Acknowledge the challenge. Dementia does worsen as time goes by. People who suffer from dementia will struggle with understanding those around them, along with challenges in communication.
  2. Listen actively. If your loved one is telling you something that you can’t understand, let them know in a kind-hearted and respectful way.
  3. Stay patient. Dementia causes a person to need extra time to process what’s being said. Questions may be repeated multiple times and you may to answer them several times in several different ways. Staying patient until they understand will go a long way in having meaningful conversation.
  4. Don’t talk about multiple subjects at once. Dementia makes it difficult for a person to engage in conversations that have multiple subjects. One thread at a time allows them to follow and stay involved in the conversation.
  5. Use a reassuring and calm voice. Do not talk to your loved one like a child, even if they seem to be acting like one. We must remember that although dementia may send them backwards, they are still an adult who deserves respect and honor. Avoid any kind of baby talk or condescending tones.
  6. Incorporating cues that aren’t verbal. Non-verbal communication can be very reassuring. Things like smiling, keeping eye contact or a tender touch can go a long way and help your loved one relax and communicate clearly. As dementia becomes more severe, verbal communication may become rare, so learning how to help your loved one through these times with body language is so very important.
  7. Use names. Whenever possible, avoid personal pronouns such as “they,” “he,” or “she.” Instead, use peoples’ names. Whether it’s yourself or others, using names in conversation will give your loved one an extra mental boost so they can understand.
  8. Avoid correcting when possible. If you notice misstatements or wrong facts, don’t stop to correct them. Allow them to finish their thoughts and don’t quibble over the small stuff.
  9. Remove distractions. Look for places and times to communicate that don’t have outside distractions or excess noise. Remember that they may need all their mental energy to talk through things and focus.
  10. Expect good days and bad days. Although dementia is a progressive disease, always keep in mind that there will be ups and downs, just like any other disease. Make memories as often as you can and enjoy the good days. On the bad days, reach out for help and support and know that it’s equally difficult for your loved one.

For more information on communicating with dementia patients, call us today!

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Thanksgiving Survival Tips for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday for Americans, meant to enjoy loved ones, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Planning for all this fun and relaxation can sometimes be a bit stressful, especially if you’re a caretaker for the senior loved one in your life. But fear not! Our tips will help you get through Thanksgiving with ease, so you can get back to enjoying what the day is all about—giving thanks for the special loved ones in your life.

Thanksgiving Tips for Caregivers:

Don’t hesitate to receive help. Thanksgiving Day is surrounded by lots of family and friends, and that means there will likely be many people who can help look after your senior loved one so you can enjoy the festivities. Don’t hesitate to let friends and family help! You’ll both be in good hands.

Be prepared. It’s common for elderly people to have special dietary needs. If your senior loved one has difficulty chewing or only likes certain foods, why not be prepared by offering to bring or cook those items. Being prepared will allow everyone to enjoy the meal together and you’ll have the help you need!

Don’t forget about yourself! As a caregiver, it’s easy to lose sight of taking care of your own needs. This Thanksgiving, take advantage of the extra friends and family and allow them to help see to the needs of your senior loved one so you can relax and enjoy your own time with those around you!

Extra Tips for Seniors:

Be mindful. Part of what makes those sauces and gravies so flavorful and rich is the additives used. While they definitely make our food extra yummy, you’ll want to be mindful of any potential allergies your senior may have. Elderly people may also be more sensitive to heartburn or stomach upset with rich food. Encourage them as well, not to overeat. These simple reminders will help everyone feel better and enjoy Thanksgiving a little more!

Socializing. If it so happens that you don’t have family around to share a Thanksgiving meal with, do not let that hinder you from socializing and fun! Reach out to a local senior center, church, or neighborhood and dine together! There is no reason anyone should have to be alone on Thanksgiving.

Stay Healthy. The holidays can be a vulnerable time for all of us when it comes to our health, but especially for seniors! Don’t hesitate to call their doctor and schedule a check-up appointment ahead of the holidays. Depression, cold and flu, and many other conditions can be more prevalent during this time of year, so stay mindful of health. Keeping prescriptions filled on time will help if you plan to travel.

Thanksgiving should be a time to relax and just enjoy friends and family. We hope these tips will help you to have the best holiday season ever. From all of us at Home Helpers, Happy Thanksgiving!!

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Benefits of Regular Exercise in Seniors

Gone are the days where doctors and family alike expected senior citizens to just sit around in a rocking chair all day, in between taking naps. Today’s seniors are more active and productive than ever, as the life expectancy continues to increase. Medical research has proven without a doubt that exercise is just as important for seniors as it is for anyone else. Staying physically fit has many benefits for seniors! Here are just a few….

Preventing Falls

The number one reason seniors end up in the hospital is falls. It is also one of the leading causes of death among the elderly. The reason behind this is that when a senior takes a fall, they may break a bone that would normally heal in a younger person. But with older adults, breaking a bone can lead to even more problems that can lead to death. In these cases, death almost always occurs as a secondary complication from a fall.

Regular exercise will not only strengthen bones and muscles but also helps mental clarity so that reflex time is quicker. There is no doubt that being fit could absolutely save the life of your senior loved one!

Improved Mental Clarity

We all know that our memory starts to slip as we age. It’s probably the most frustrating side effect of growing older. Seniors who are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease can enjoy much more mental clarity by exercising not only the mind but also the body. Playing brain games like crossword puzzles will help seniors stay sharp mentally. Physical exercise increases blood flow, which makes everything in the brain work better and faster.

Socializing

People of all ages need to socialize and meet with friends to stay healthy and happy. Seniors often battle depression and much of it comes from being lonely and isolated. Regular trips to the local fitness center or YWCA can be a wonderful way for seniors to meet new friends and engage in activities with other people. Most of these facilities have exercising classes specially designed for the more fragile body of older adults. There is no reason seniors can’t enjoy the benefits of safe exercise! Even walking regularly is extremely beneficial for seniors, and staying active is the best way to combat feelings of depression and lethargy.

Exercise is vitally important for all ages and this includes seniors! There is no need to buy into the lie that senior adults should stop moving just because they are growing older. Even gentle exercise can drastically improve quality of life as well extend life by keeping our senior loved ones healthier and happier.

For more information on the benefits of exercise for seniors, contact Home Helpers today!

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Recognizing Depression in the Elderly

Did you know that a fourth of people who are retirement age report symptoms of depression? Studies show that when our elderly population visits their doctor for routine physical concerns, the issue of depression often comes up. When depression goes untreated, it can cause the physical problems an elderly person has to become worse.

Depression among the elderly has many causes. Sometimes it’s caused by a disability that has made life more difficult as they decline. Still, others may be taking on feelings of guilt for having to depend on their caretakers. Dementia is also a big cause of depression among our seniors. Each of these causes does have good solutions, so let’s look at them:

  • Identifying Depression – Depression can be tough to diagnose, especially when there are more pressing physical ailments. Since the only person qualified to diagnose depression properly is a physician, be sure to provide the doctor with complete medical records and history. Often, the side effects of certain treatments for other medical problems can cause depression.
  • Avoid A lot of alcohol – You might not think of alcoholism being a problem among the elderly generation, but it has become more and more serious in recent years. Having a glass of wine with an evening meal is perfectly fine, but often, elderly people use alcohol as a means to cope with more serious physical ailments or other emotional pain. This can easily lead to depression, as can the use of other things such as pain medications.
  • Treat Sleep Disorders – Millions of Americans struggle with insomnia and many of these people are senior citizens. Any time elderly people don’t get the REM sleep they need, depression is often the result. Simple measures such as retiring and rising at the same times each day can make a huge impact on sleep.
  • Spend Time with Loved Ones – Let’s face it—nobody needs to spend too much time by themselves. Loneliness breeds depression, so if you suspect your elderly loved on isn’t getting enough social interaction, be sure to arrange for friends and family members to stop in and visit regularly. Photo albums and framed pictures can also help seniors feel more connected to the people and memories that mean the most to them.

Depression vs. Grieving

Most people will have lost at least a couple of people who are close to them by the time retirement age comes. In cases of a premature death, the person is often a spouse. It’s important to know how grief can look very similar to depression. If you are concerned that your elderly loved ones are suffering from depression, please get a proper medical diagnosis by taking them to visit their doctor. If you suspect that the depression is from grief, there are many support groups available to ease them through this process. If you are not sure how to find a support group, funeral homes often have lists of people who specialize in doing just this.

For more information on depression in the elderly and how to identify and cope with it, please visit our website or call us today!

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Financial Help for Caregivers of the Sandwich Generation

When it comes to the caregivers of the “Sandwich Generation,” there are some unique challenges. Perhaps you didn’t expect to find yourself taking care of your elderly parents, but they probably didn’t expect to need help at this stage of life either. Whether the recession hit hard, lack of good financial planning or a myriad of issues, ensuring proper care to aging parents can include some tough decisions. Sandwich Generation caregivers may find themselves in very stressful circumstances, as they are often saddled with the burden of their own kids as well as aging parents.

Here are some creative tips that you may not know:

Estate Sale

Ask your loved on if they would consider holding an estate sale to help liquidate furniture and other items around the house they aren’t needed any longer. This can bring in a good deal of money when planned properly. The added benefit is downsizing on clutter!

Cash in Investments

Find out if your parents have investments that could be used to help pay for their care. If they have invested over the years, this may be the perfect time to tap into them. Be mindful that you may only need to sell investments a little at a time rather than cashing them all in at once. This can ease the mental stress your aging parent may feel about selling their investments. Meeting with a financial advisor would be wise, as they will help sell the investments in a careful manner that not only helps meet the need but also avoids tax issues.

Sell Off Big-Ticket Items

It’s scary to sell big items for some people. After all, our possessions tend to be part of our identity. However, selling high dollar items such as cars, valuable jewelry or even a house can be the perfect solution to ensuring that Sandwich Generation caregivers have the finances needed to care for aging parents. If your senior loved one is no longer driving then selling a car may be a little less difficult.

Here Are Some Steps That May Help You Care for Your Senior Loved One:

Move Them in With You.

Moving Your Parent into your home rather than a nursing home or assisted care facility is one big way to save A LOT on care expenses. They may still have nursing care come to your home if they need it, and there will be the emotional comfort that comes from be surrounded by loved ones and grandchildren.

Give the Budget a Make-Over

This is so crucial. Most of us in the Sandwich Generation are trying to save for our own retirements, college funds for our kids and now the financial burden that comes from paying for aging parents. In order to do all this without feeling overwhelmed, you need to take a good look at where you can trim expenses. Even though it may be tough, consider the following ways you can save money:

  • Cable TV
  • Going out to eat frequently
  • Recreation that costs money
  • Clothing and other personal care such as going to the spa or salon.

Whatever you do, do NOT stop saving for your own retirement. you may find yourself in the same place one day with your children trying to figure out how they can find the money for your care.

Ask for Help

If you have siblings or other relatives, it may be time to have a chat with them about sharing some of the costs for your parent’s care. Your children may have to grow up a bit faster and learn to put themselves through college by working part-time jobs on their own. While it might seem mean, nothing could be farther from the truth. They will learn the honesty of hard work, the joy of making their own money and how to live on a budget.

Claim Your Parent as a Dependent

This is not always the case, but it’s worth it to ask the IRS if it’s possible to claim your aging parents on your taxes. Claiming your aging parent as a dependent on your tax returns could really help you with finances to care for them.

It’s really disheartening that we find ourselves in a generation where there is no magic potion that will fix the financial burdens our parents face. They may qualify for veteran’s benefits, so don’t forget to check that out.

You may not be facing these issues quite yet, but time marches on and I can guarantee you that you will be faced with it sooner than later. Please talk to your parents about this and plan together how the finances will be distributed in the event they need long-term care.

For more information or other helpful caregiver information, visit our blog.

Home Helpers of San Mateo County is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in Burlingame, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Millbrae, Montara, and San Bruno.

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Understanding the Hidden Costs for Caregivers

Woman looking over paperwork

Caregivers are a special breed. They are driven by love and a sense of responsibility. It quickly becomes apparent that a lot of cost can go into being a caregiver and many people assume it’s much less expensive to be a caregiver than to utilize outside professional help. While senior care facilities have their own upsides, they are not always more expensive.

It is vitally important that if you are planning on becoming a fulltime caregiver to your aging parents, you understand the costs and all that goes into it. Understanding these aspects will help everyone in your circle of friends and family share in the commitment that goes with caregiving and have a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice involved. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all these issues.

A Few Hidden Costs of Being a Caregiver:

Lost Income

In order to take on a full-time caregiving role, it will involve giving up a current job or career. This can mean a big loss of wages, the need to retire early and other impacts to the household income. Many polls suggest that the vast majority of people who take on the role of caregiving have had a negative impact on their careers.

Not Being as Employable

If a person becomes a caregiver for several years and then tries to re-enter the workforce, they often find it quite difficult. This is an especially frustrating problem when you consider how competitive it is to get a job due to high unemployment. This can lead to even higher unemployment as people who were caregivers feel lost.

Rising Cost of Health Care

It’s no secret that being a caregiver is stressful. It’s a proven fact that there are emotional and physical impacts that affect caregivers. Their own health is at risk and this means overall increased cost of living as they struggle to cover the cost of health care. This is especially tough when you consider that many people give up their health insurance coverage when they step down from their outside careers.

Retirement and Savings Lost

The truth of the matter is that caregivers take on a lot of personal expense. Recent studies report that nearly half of all caregivers have burned through savings and/or retirement. If they have walked away from their career for good, it’s quite possible they will never recoup these losses. Social Security benefits can also be lowered by leaving the workforce.
Lack of Productivity

Here’s a fact you might not think about: Businesses in America take a hit of $34 billion dollars every year from employees leaving to be caretakers for their senior loved ones. This sheds light on the fact that the costs of caregiving are not just with the person giving the care. It affects everyone in the bigger picture.

So, Where Do All These Costs Come From?

Caregiving can be costly for many reasons, not the least of which is the time spent giving the care. What many think will just be a few hours here and there turns into way more than they bargained for. There is often an expectation that it will be a short-term solution and it can end up being several years. This obviously can have a huge impact on your finances and can even wipe you out if you don’t plan well.

So How Do We Move Forward?

Here are some recommendations from the AARP to policy makers on planning for long-term costs of caregiving:

  • Allow for workplace policies that are more family-friendly, including the option to work from home.
  • Defend and protect the Family Medical Leave Act and have it in place.
  • Offer tax credits for caregivers
  • Increase funding for the National Family Caregiving Program
  • Offer caregivers an income through publicly funded programs such as Medicaid.

The costs of caregiving can be staggering and there are no easy answers. It’s vital for everyone involved that we have the necessary dialogue to discover solutions, especially in this time when millions of aging Baby Boomers need our help and support!

If you need help providing care for your loved one, call us or visit our website to see how affordable in-home care assistance can be.

Home Helpers of San Mateo County is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in Burlingame, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Millbrae, Montara, and San Bruno.

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The Benefits of Pets for Alzheimer’s Patients

Man and dog

For most people, the sight of a playful dog brings a big smile to their face. Especially those suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies show with overwhelming evidence that depression and anxiety are greatly reduced by the presence of pets.

Pets and the Alzheimer’s Patient

Research has shown many times over that there are many health benefits from owning a pet. They can significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure, relieve headaches, decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and make more of the hormone called serotonin, which improves your mood. It’s no surprise then, that pets are becoming common place with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Any pet owner will tell you that cats and dogs become members of the family. They give unconditional love and affection, and create a bond that is unbreakable. There are cats that could care less about human companionship, yet when it comes to the Alzheimer’s patient, they stick closer than a brother. They even let these patients pick them up and carry them around when normally they would hate that. It’s truly a sight to see!

How Pets Help Alzheimer’s Patients

Companionship is the first and most obvious benefit that pets bring to Alzheimer’s. Bringing a therapy dog or other pet to visit can put a big smile on a person’s face who had just been down in the dumps. Many people suffer from depression and it’s a known fact that pets can improve mood and help bring joy back to a person. This is especially true with patients who suffer from cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

While most of the time, pet visits are wonderful for seniors, you still have to be careful and monitor the reaction between the pet and the patient. Here are a few tips to help you make it a wonderful experience for them

  • Be sure to understand the personality of the pet. If they are prone to a lot of barking or jumping, you may need to wait and do a little more training with that animal.
  • Choose the right time of day. For many seniors, it’s better to schedule visits earlier in the day rather than evening hours when they are becoming tired.
  • Don’t stay too long. Keep a close eye on the interaction between the pet and the senior. If they become impatient with the pet or show signs that there has been enough stimulation for one visit, go ahead and bring the visit to a close.
  • Remember that people with Alzheimer’s or dementia may not react the same way every time. The very nature of the disease brings unpredictable behavior, so don’t be surprised if they love a pet visit one day and have zero interest on another day.

Where Do You Find Therapy Pets?

Many shelters have animals that they hand-pick to go through therapy training programs. There are also lots of resources online that can help match seniors with just the right furry friend. If you are considering this option, make sure the pet will be able to receive the proper care and attention.

For more information and tips on how pets can help Alzheimer’s patients, call Home Helpers today!

Home Helpers of San Mateo County is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in Burlingame, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Millbrae, Montara, and San Bruno.

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4 Ways to Help Seniors With Alzheimer’s Enjoy the Holidays More

family celebrating Christmas

There’s no doubt about it—the holiday season is the busiest of the year and can throw our normal routines into chaos. For seniors who deal with Alzheimer’s, this change of routine can be quite stressful. With all the traditions of family, visits from relatives, and endless activities, It can be exhausting for old and young alike! Here are a few tips to help seniors with Alzheimer’s find the holidays more enjoyable:

1. Minimize Your Stress
Seniors who live with Alzheimer’s disease are often far more aware and sensitive to the feelings and moods of others. They are likely to feed off your stress and anxiety and feel the same thing. This often leads to behavior that is difficult to deal with and tough to bounce back from, ultimately just adding to your overall stress.

While you can’t get rid of all stress factors in your life, just stay focused on making your schedule through the holidays manageable and don’t take on too many obligations. Consider hiring help to come in to help care for the senior in your life, or ask other family members to help shoulder the load. Above all, find your voice and say no to things that are not in the best interest of all parties involved.

If you start feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress, step away for a couple of minutes and just do some deep breathing. This may even mean going to the bathroom where you can be alone!

2. Consider Modifying Some Family Traditions
Trying to do everything the way it’s always been done might not be the best plan when caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s. Consider the traditions of your family during the holidays and think about what you can modify or simplify in order to carry less stress and responsibility. The main thing is to find things that the senior in your life could still enjoy and feel connected to, without putting tons of pressure on you. Think about what really matters and trim everything else back!

Don’t be afraid to ask your senior adult about the traditions they love and value. They usually love to talk about these things and it often provides great comfort and joy to them. It also allows them to feel they matter in holiday decisions and traditions, such as being involved with decorating the tree or which baked goodies to have. Everyone loves to feel close and connected during the holidays and seniors with Alzheimer’s are no different!

3. Involve Your Senior Adult in the Holiday Preparations
Finding ways to involve your senior adult in the various preparations for the holiday celebrations is a great way for them to feel connected and have a sense of belonging. Including them will help them feel reminded that they matter and are not forgotten during this special time. It also allows them to get a sense of what’s going on in the days ahead. They may only be able to do small tasks, but if you focus on specific activities, they will surely enjoy spending time with you. Tell family stories and bond as much as possible during these moments! Most seniors living with Alzheimer’s just want to feel heard and understood. Doing these things will help them remember their voice is not lost.

Here are a few great activities to do together:

  • Rolling dough and baking Christmas cookies
  • Peeling carrots and potatoes
  • Dusting or wiping down the dining room table
  • Polishing silver
  • Gift wrapping
  • Simple decorating tasks

The main thing is to pay attention to what brings them joy. Even if they don’t do the neatest job, if they are finding pleasure in helping with these tasks, let them do it. You can supervise and even touch up things that need it later.

4. Simply Your Decorating
Often, seniors find the decorations, trees, lights and other sparkling objects all around to be over-stimulating. Consider how you can reduce the clutter of over-decorating and make sure the overall appearance of the home doesn’t change too much, as this can be stressful for older adults. The main focus should be what reminds them of happy memories.

Finally, remember that the goal above all is to reduce the stress on you as well as the senior in your life. The happiness they will have in the moment will stay with them, even if they don’t remember the activities later.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. If you need any help caring for a loved one, please call us. For more information on Alzheimer’s Care, click here.

Home Helpers of San Mateo County is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care as well as homemaker services in Burlingame, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, Hillsborough, Pacifica, Millbrae, Montara, and San Bruno.

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