Senior Care in Mountain View CA

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. This is the ideal time for you as a family caregiver to learn about this extremely common, but potentially severe, form of injury, and how to handle them effectively should your elderly parent experience such an injury during the course of your care journey with them. Every year throughout the United States more than 2 million people experience a traumatic brain injury. More than 200,000 of these people will lose their lives as a result of the injury, and many more will endure lingering effects and disabilities associated with their injury. It is important as a caregiver that you know not just how to identify the potential symptoms of a brain injury that occur hours to days after the initial injury, but also how to respond should you suspect that your senior is dealing with such an injury.

If your parent has suffered an accident or injury and is showing any of the following symptoms, it is critical that you call for emergency medical attention immediately:

• Abnormal behavior
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to stay awake
• Severe headache
• Stiffness in the neck
• Unequal dilation of the dark portion of the eyes
• Inability to move a leg or arm
• Loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds
• More than one instance of vomiting
• Scalp wound

Immediately check the person’s breathing and begin CPR if necessary. Stabilize their neck and prevent movement as much as possible. If possible, apply ice packs to areas of swelling. Follow these precautions to help prevent further injury and complications:
• Do not attempt to wash a wound that is bleeding excessively, instead, apply a cloth to the area and continue to add cloths as the blood soaks through
• Do not attempt to remove any debris or objects sticking out of a scalp or skull wound
• Do not attempt to move or relocate the person if at all possible
• Do not attempt to rouse the person by shaking them
• Do not remove any form of headgear, such as a helmet
• Do not allow your loved one to drink any alcohol within 48 hours of suffering a brain injury

Starting senior care for your elderly loved one can be one of the most compassionate, nurturing, and effective decisions that you can make for them in the course of your caregiver journey with them. The highly personalized services of a senior home care services provider are specifically designed to address your parent’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that takes into account their personality, preferences, beliefs, opinions, and goals, as well as the care that you are able to put forth for them. This means that they are able to live the lifestyle that is right for them while remaining safe, healthy, comfortable, and fulfilled, and maintaining as much independence and activity as possible as they age in place. If your aging parent experiences an injury or accident while they are in the care of this care provider, they can ensure they get the support that they need immediately and can coordinate with you to make sure that they get all the proper medical care and support necessary to handle the situation and move forward in the best way possible.

Source
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/basics/symptoms/con-20029302
http://www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm
http://www.biav.net/awareness-month.htm
http://www.brainline.org/content/2012/06/what-should-you-do-if-you-think-you-have-had-a-concussion.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Mountain View, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Caregivers in Saratoga CA

As a family caregiver, safety is something that is likely always on your mind. You know that your senior faces challenges and limitations that can put their safety at risk and make them vulnerable to accidents and injuries that could compromise their mobility, health, well-being, or even longevity as they get older. Now that the New Year has come it is the ideal time for you to evaluate your parent’s home and make sure that they are as safe as possible as they age in place. This is a critical step in making sure that your parent can age in their home successfully regardless of the types of challenges that they are facing or the amount of care that they receive on a daily basis.

Use these tips to help you make your parent’s home safer for them as you move forward into the new year:

• Check the flooring. You likely already know that loose flooring covers such as rugs or runners can put your parent at risk of falls. As you are evaluating their home, however, you should consider all of the types of flooring throughout their home to determine if changes could be made to improve their safety. Flooring such as marble, smooth tile, linoleum, and waxed wood can be extremely slippery, especially when wet. Consider using no-slip finish rather than wax and replacing flooring when possible with textured tiles that provide more grip.

• Ensure the wiring is safe. Especially if your aging parent has been living in the same home for a long period, the wiring may be outdated and incapable of supporting the demands of contemporary use. This can put your parent at risk of shorts and even electrical fires. Check the outlets in each room to ensure that there are no signs of singing or breaks, and that the walls are not warm near them. If they have noticed any strange signs such as sparks or periodic outages, get in touch with a professional to have their wiring evaluated and updated if necessary.

• Consider medical home monitoring. A seemingly simple home accident can be devastating to an elderly adult. If you are not in the home with them at all times, they can be in danger of suffering such an accident and not being able to recover from it. Medical home monitoring involves a central device as well as a personal device so that if they fall, there is a fire, or they are in need of help for another reason your parent can contact a call center that will alert the proper authorities as necessary. Some are even equipped to detect falls and send help even if your parent does not press the alert button. This can give you peace of mind that help is always at hand if your parent encounters an emergency situation.

If you are concerned about your aging parent’s safety or you simply want to feel more confident that they are getting the support, encouragement, and care that they need throughout their later years to maintain a higher quality of life, consider home care for them. An in-home care provider can give your senior the personalized level of care that is designed specifically to address their individual needs and challenges while also encouraging them to keep their independence, pursue fulfillment, and stay active and engaged as they age. This can help you to feel more confident that whether you are able to be in the home with them frequently or you live at a distance and are not able to give them direct care at all times, they are in good hands and are living the life that you know they deserve.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregivers in Saratoga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Senior Care in Campbell CA

As a family caregiver, it is your responsibility to help your elderly loved one understand the various challenges and risk factors that they face and what they can do to reduce their risks and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life. This means understanding the terms that you are likely to hear throughout your care journey and knowing how to respond to them effectively. One such term is “dementia.” Whether you are just getting started on your care journey or you have been caring for your parent for some time already, you have likely heard the term dementia and been concerned about how your elderly loved one would experience such a condition. Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” interchangeably, which might lead you to wondering if all cases of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to keep in mind that the term “dementia” does not just apply to one condition. Instead, it is a blanket term that applies to a wide variety of cognitive and mental symptoms that represent a decline in function. These symptoms can be temporary, such as in the case of delirium or a urinary tract infection, or permanent and progressive, such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Of all of the types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. This progressive disease accounts for approximately 60 to 80 percent of the cases of dementia that occur. Experts estimate that this accounts for nearly 4 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with the condition.

Recognizing that all cases of dementia are not Alzheimer’s disease is an important step in understanding what your aging parent might be facing if they are diagnosed with dementia or start showing symptoms of cognitive decline. This enables you to give them the level of care that they deserve as they age in place.

If your elderly parent has been showing signs of dementia or has been progressing through the condition and has been experiencing challenges and limitations that have increased to the point that you feel they would benefit from additional support, now is the ideal time for you to consider senior care for them. Having a senior home care services provider in the home with your elderly loved one is an exceptional way to ensure that they get the customized level of care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need as they progress through their dementia. Regardless of the type of dementia that your parent is suffering, the highly personalized services of a senior care provider are designed to address their individual symptoms while also respecting their individuality, personality, lifestyle, and goals. This means that they are able to remain safe, healthy, and comfortable while also maintaining as much independence, activity, and fulfillment as they age in place. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the progression can cover many years. Starting senior care early in the progression can help your parent to get the best care possible and continue to pursue a life that is active, engaged, and meaningful.

Source
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
http://www.alz.org/dementia/types-of-dementia.asp
https://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2016-facts-and-figures.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Campbell, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Elder Care in Santa Clara CA

Dental health problems can be very serious for an elderly adult. Tooth decay, gum disease, and bacteria are not just issues with the mouth. Instead, they can create potentially severe problems throughout the body. As a family caregiver it is critical that you not only identify when your aging parent might be suffering from serious health complications, but also take steps to address those problems effectively to help prevent severe consequences.

Use these tips to help you respond effectively when you notice potential dental health issues in your parent:

• Ask about them. If you notice unusual behavior in your aging parent that you think might be an indication of dental health problems, ask your parent about them. Tell them what you have noticed and find out the cause behind it. You might find that they are not chewing on one side of the mouth because they feel like they can taste food better on that side, or they are not flossing as hard because they are concerned they have been too rough. Getting as much information as you can helps them to respond effectively.

• Find out how long they have been experiencing the problem. If they are experiencing some type of dental health problem, find out how long it has been happening. This is important information to share with their dentist so that they can quickly identify the problem that your parent has been having.

• Get in touch with their dentist. Call your parent’s dentist to describe the problem that they are experiencing. They can schedule an appointment for you based on the potential severity of the problem. Be sure that your parent is prepared for this appointment and attends it. Not managing dental problems when they arise can lead to severe infections and other health complications.

• Know when to go to the emergency room. If your elderly parent is experiencing serious dental issues and their regular dentist is not available, they may need emergency care. Check for any swelling of the face or pimple-like protrusions on the gum that could indicate an infection. If you notice these, there has been serious trauma, or your parent is not able to eat or drink because of the pain, get them to the emergency room as soon as possible.

If your aging parent has been suffering from dental health problems or you are concerned about their dental hygiene, starting elder care for them may be the ideal solution. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior on a customized schedule to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations and offer personalized services to help them maintain their best health, safety, and well-being as they age in place. When it comes to helping them to manage dental problems and preserve better dental health, this care provider can help your parent understand the importance of proper dental hygiene, help them to create a dental hygiene routine that they can follow, and let you know about any signs of difficulties that they might notice so that you can take the proper steps to help them resolve these problems.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elder care in Santa Clara, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Elderly Care in Santa Clara CA

A weak heart could be susceptible to a wide range of heart health problems, including cardiac arrest. It is very different from a heart attack because this condition involves having the coronary artery blocked and is usually the result of a severely abnormal heart rhythm. The blockage will stop the blood from flowing to the rest of the body, which could cause severe damage to the heart.

Studies are still being conducted to learn more about this condition. Those who are concerned with the health of their elderly loved one should hire an elderly care provider to stay with them each day in order to encourage them to make heart-healthy decisions. These decisions may include getting plenty of exercise and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Below are some symptoms of cardiac arrest that could be prevented by eating the right foods.

Risk Factors

Some of the most common risk factors of cardiac arrest include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Getting older
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Lack of physical activities
• Obesity
• Family history of coronary heart disease
• Male gender

A number of tests can be conducted to find out if your elderly loved one is at risk, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), a cardiac enzyme blood test, and a hormone test.

Prevention

As with most medical conditions, making the right choices for a healthy life could help strengthen the elder’s heart, preventing cardiac arrest from every happening to them. As helpful as the following tips are at reducing your loved one’s chances of having this heart condition, there is no guarantee they will never get cardiac arrest.

• Eat a healthy diet. The foods we eat can make a huge difference in how healthy our hearts and bodies are in the future. Encourage your loved one to eat a healthy diet in order to lower their risk of developing a heart condition. Talk to a dietitian for tips on how to create the perfect diet for your elderly parent.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking is extremely harmful to your health and is often the reason that a wide range of diseases develop, including numerous types of cancer and lung disease. The heart can also become weaker when using these tobacco products, so talk to your loved one about quitting. Better yet, have them talk to their doctor about programs available to them that will help them quit.
• Drink in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause severe problems with one’s heart in the future. Prevent this from happening by having the senior drink no more than 2 drinks per day.
  For more tips on how to prevent cardiac arrest, talk to the senior’s doctor.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care in Santa Clara, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Senior Care in San Jose CA

Being the primary caregiver for multiple loved ones is even more intimidating than you might first think. With some careful planning, however, you can do what you need to do for everyone you need to care for.

Be Gentle with Yourself

When multiple people need you all at once, it’s easy to get discouraged or to start expecting too much from yourself. Now more than ever, it’s important that you’re gentle with yourself and that you don’t let perfectionism get the best of you. You can only do what you can do. You’re a human being with limitations and needs of your own. Don’t beat yourself up for not doing more than you can do.

Find All the Resources that You Can

Now is the time to really find and access all of the resources that your different care recipients need. Start with their doctors and figure out what exactly can be done for them now. From there, you might need to contact local agencies that can help to point you in the right direction in terms of assistance groups. If you’re not already a member of one or more support groups, it’s time to join. They can help you to find exactly the resources that you and your loved ones need.

Talk to Other Family Members

Other family members may not be able to pitch in to the extent that you can, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be of assistance. Perhaps some family members can handle grocery shopping or errands for one or more of your loved ones. Perhaps they can make phone calls for you or handle household tasks. Figure out what they can do and then recruit them for those tasks.

Bring in Senior Care Providers

Some caregivers prefer to wait to bring in senior care providers until they really need help. In the case of multiple care recipients, though, you’re more likely to hit that wall sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until you’re at your wit’s end. Bring in extra help now so that you can continue to cope with everyone’s changing needs.

Keep your own limitations in mind and revisit your plans often to see if there are additional solutions that can help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in San Jose, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.

Caregivers in Mountain View CA

Whether you believe it or not, you could easily be experiencing a pretty bad case of caregiver stress right now. Do any of these signs of stress look familiar at all? If so, it’s time to find a solution that works for you.

Mood Swings

Mood swings or moodiness may not be something that you notice all that much, but others might mention it to you. You might even only feel the mood swing internally, without expressing it to others. When the swings become really drastic, you need to take a deeper look.

Anxiety or Depression

Depression and anxiety are actually much more closely related than they seem at first. Some people don’t think that they’re experiencing anxiety at all, but report feeling their nerves jumping all day. That can be another version of anxiety.

Hair Trigger Frustration or Irritability

When someone puts a dish away in the wrong cabinet, do you let it go and appreciate that someone else tried to do the job, or does it send you into a five minute tirade about which dishes go where? If you’re experiencing frustration or irritability that seem to hit often and without warning, stress is often the culprit.

Inability to Focus

Are you experiencing trouble focusing on just about everything? Often when you’re stressed, your brain is so occupied with everything that it’s trying to solve that it literally cannot handle one more thought. This can be a huge problem, of course, especially when you find yourself making simple mistakes.

Feeling that Everything Is out of Control

When you’re stressed out, you don’t feel in control of anything at all. No matter what situation you’re in, everything seems to be working against you. Even worse, the more you try to control everything, the more out of control it all feels.

Feeling Isolated

As a family caregiver, it’s really easy to become isolated. This is also a big sign that you’re stressed, because you’re not doing what you need to do for yourself in order to help manage your stress. Dealing with your isolation can help you to kick the stress, too.

Talk to your doctor to rule out physical causes and make sure that you find a way to deal with your stress appropriately.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregivers in Mountain View, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 259-5930.