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4 Household Tasks an Elderly Care Provider Can Do

September 19, 2018 by Shanele Healy

About a year ago, Margaret’s 80-year-old mother, Laura, had a stroke. Laura had been living on her own for a few years since her husband passed away. Although Laura was still able to live on her own, she had trouble doing some things around the house and needed Margaret’s help to maintain her home. In addition, since Laura could no longer drive, Margaret had to take her grocery shopping and drive her to medical appointments and church each week. On top of all that, Margaret had young children of her own to care for and a full-time job. She was, like so many family caregivers, exhausted.

Elderly Care Statesville NC- 4 Household Tasks an Elderly Care Provider Can Do

When Margaret told her coworker Mark how she was feeling, Mark suggested she look into elderly care for her mother. Mark had used elderly care services when his own mother was failing and described it as a lifesaver. When Margaret called an elderly care agency, she was surprised to learn about all the ways they could help her mother to continue living in her home.

Below are just 4 of the many household tasks Margaret learned elderly care can do.

#1 Running Errands

Older adults need to run many of the same errands that younger people do. They need to go to the grocery store, stop at the post office, and go to the pharmacy. However, if they cannot drive, getting to those places requires them to wait until someone can give them a ride. Elderly care providers can stop in throughout the week to drive older adults to the places they need to go, even if the senior simply wants to go visit a friend.

#2 Cooking Meals

Lots of older adults have trouble cooking for themselves. Perhaps they never learned to cook or simply have difficulty because of a medical condition. Or, they may enjoy cooking, but have problems with steps that require strength, like opening jars or lifting heavy pans. An elderly care provider can either do all of the cooking or just act as an assistant while the senior cooks.

#3 Basic Pet Care

Getting older shouldn’t have to mean giving up beloved pets. But, keeping a pet requires some work. They need to be fed, watered, exercised, and require the occasional visit to the vet. Elderly care providers can assist with feeding and watering pets. They can also drive seniors and their pets to veterinary appointments. And, if the pet needs to be walked, an elderly care provider can go for a walk with the pet and the older adult, letting them both get some exercise while also keeping the senior safe.

#4 Laundry

Laundry baskets can be too heavy for older adults to carry. It can also be hard to bend over to reach items in the washer or dryer. Elderly care providers can do the laundry for older adults, making sure their clothes and bedding stay fresh and clean.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Statesville NC, please call the professional staff at Caring at Heart today at (704) 379-7510. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail.

Listen to Your Parent’s Speech to Help Detect Alzheimer’s Disease

September 5, 2018 by Shanele Healy

As a family caregiver, you know how important it is to stay connected to your senior. Having regular conversations with them, and spending quality time with them are important to boosting your mental and emotional health, and keeping your relationship bonded.

Homecare Waxhaw NC – Listen to Your Parent’s Speech to Help Detect Alzheimer’s Disease

Having conversations with your aging parent on a regular basis, however, can also have other benefits. One you may not immediately think of is how changes in their speech can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. It is completely normal to occasionally have difficulties with speech, such as not being able to find the right word, or saying something you didn’t really mean because you were distracted. Changes that impact functioning and quality of life, however, could indicate something more serious.

Some ways your senior’s speech might be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Difficulty following a conversation, and being a part of it appropriately
Inability to pick up in the middle of a conversation if they had to stop for some reason
Repeating themselves frequently during a conversation, or even saying the same sentences several times
Not being able to find the right word frequently, and to the detriment of interacting with others
Using the wrong name, or even a description of an item, rather than what it is actually called

If you noticed changes in the way your senior speaks, or how they are interacting with others, it is important to discuss the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease with them, and together go to talk to their doctor. Early detection means early intervention, and this helps your parent to start a course of treatment and management that is right for them and their needs now, and into the future as they progress with their disease.

Being a family caregiver for an aging adult living with a progressive disease poses challenges and difficulties beyond those of a senior who is not experiencing such a disease. It is normal for you to feel overwhelmed, or as though you are not able to fulfill your senior’s needs effectively, and in the ways that are right for them.

Fortunately, you are not alone. Homecare is available to help you meet your senior’s needs, give them a higher quality of life, and ensure they will have the support and assistance they need as they progress through their disease. Not only does homecare help your parent stay safer and healthier, and maintain better mental and emotional health and well-being, it also preserves your mental emotional health, reduces your stress, and helps you to focus on your relationship with your parent beyond just being their caregiver.

Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Waxhaw NC, please call the professional staff at Caring at Heart today at (704) 379-7510. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail.

How to Master Washing a Senior’s Hair

August 21, 2018 by Shanele Healy

Pete is his elderly dad’s full-time family caregiver. While he is slowly adjusting to the responsibility, there’s one task that he just can’t seem to make work—washing his father’s hair on a regular basis. Pete’s dad resists doing it and complains the entire time. He’s even going out of his way to make it harder for Pete to help him. Pete tried to let his dad’s personal hygiene go for a while, but that wasn’t healthy or attractive. Determined to overcome the battle surrounding regular hair washing, Pete started to do some research.

Home Care Concord NC – How to Master Washing a Senior’s Hair

Many family caregivers are surprised to discover that their elderly relatives often resist regular baths, showers and hair washing. Even if the aging adult did so regularly when they were younger, regularly washing their hair can now become uncomfortable, embarrassing, unimportant or as a control issue. Family caregivers that want to find the best way to master washing a senior’s hair have a lot of resources and tips to access to accomplish the task.

Here are some tips on mastering hair washing for an elderly relative:

1. Hair Wash Frequency Varies

It’s important for seniors don’t need to wash their hair every day. An aging body doesn’t produce the same amount of oil in the hair that it once did. Washing the hair once a week is usually sufficient. However, washing the body may need to be more frequent, at least twice per week.

2. Discover Dry Shampoo

As the product becomes more popular, many family caregivers are discovering dry shampoo. It’s a powdered shampoo product that cleans dirt and oil out of a person’s dry hair. Because no water is needed, it’s an ideal way for family caregivers to keep an elderly person’s hair clean between wet washes. Many family caregivers find success with a wet wash once per week, and a dry shampoo in between.

3. Hire a Home Care Provider

Sometimes, hair washing problems are the result of power struggles between seniors and family members. Sometimes it is because they feel embarrassed or annoyed. Family caregivers can hire a professional home care provider to come in and help with bathing, showering, and grooming, including hair washing. Sometimes, seniors behave better for non-family members. Many home care providers also have adaptive tools to do the job, tips on better execution of the task, and suggestions for family caregivers on how to better master washing a senior’s hair.

4. Alternative Hair Wash Locations

Hair washing doesn’t always have to be in the bathroom, where many seniors are afraid of falling or embarrassed to be undressed. Senior women often enjoy a trip to the beauty parlor where they get their hair washed professionally. For bedridden seniors, there are inflatable hair washing basins that allow family members and home care providers to do the job in place.

It’s up to family and their aging relative to come up with a grooming schedule that is convenient, healthy and comfortable. Regular hair washing is an important part of staying healthy and hygienic, but there are several options beyond a traditional daily shower for elderly adults.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Concord NC, please call the professional staff at Caring at Heart today at (704) 379-7510. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail.

How Much Protein Does Your Dad Need Each Day?

August 8, 2018 by Shanele Healy

Protein is found in legumes, meats, dairy products, and some vegetable products like tofu. It’s an important aspect of a healthy diet. Does your dad get enough protein each day? Many seniors don’t.

How much protein does your dad need? What forms of protein are best for his aging body? Here is some insight into protein intake and your aging parent.

Home Care Services Pineville NC – How Much Protein Does Your Dad Need Each Day?

Why is Protein Important?

Your body is filled with protein. It’s the main component in your hair and nails. It’s a key to healthy blood, bones, cartilage, muscles, and skin. As a result, you need a lot of protein each day.

Protein is full of amino acids. Amino acid help in the process that strengthens muscles. They help with weight loss and helping the body’s immune system.

Nutritional Guidelines and the Best Types of Protein

According to the U.S. government, men and women over the age of 50 should consume 6 to 7 (men) or 5 to 6 (women) ounces of protein each day. More than this isn’t ideal as it adds to the daily fat intake.

There are proteins that are better choices than others. Seafood is ideal. It is important to be careful about mercury intake. Look for fish that have a lower mercury content like sardines and salmon. Tuna and swordfish have higher counts. Chicken and turkey breast are also healthier options. You should limit red meats.

Other forms of protein get overlooked. Nuts and soy both offer high quantities of protein. You can get protein from beans in chili and soups.

Certain protein forms are unhealthy. You need to limit your dad’s consumption of smoked and processed meats like ham and hot dogs. Deli meats are out. Bacon, sausage, and canned meats are also unhealthy and should be skipped.

Hire Home Care Services to Cook Meals if Your Dad Won’t or Can’t Cook

Some seniors hate cooking. It might be they’ve grown tired of cooking meals for a family. It could be that lifting hot pans or reading the small print in recipes is too much of a challenge. When that happens, caregivers are a great solution.

Consider what home care services offer. If your dad is not likely to make healthy food choices when he’s alone, a home care services aide can help. Home care services providers help shop for groceries and cook meals. With home care services providers coming to the house, your dad will eat well and have company while he eats. It’s a win-win situation.

Sources: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/chapter-2/a-closer-look-at-current-intakes-and-recommended-shifts/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Pineville NC, please call the professional staff at Caring at Heart today at (704) 379-7510. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail.

Home Safety Tips for a Senior with Parkinson’s Disease

July 18, 2018 by Shanele Healy

Parkinson’s disease causes a wide variety of challenges and symptoms that can put your aging parents at risk. Mobility issues such as compromised gate, freezing, tremors, and dizziness can cause your parent to stumble, trip, or fall. They can also experience potentially hazardous situations due to other limitations such as shaking or weakness.

Elder Care Matthews NC – Home Safety Tips for a Senior with Parkinson’s Disease

As a family caregiver, you can help them to stay safer, increase their confidence, and support greater independence by making meaningful modifications to their home. Some simple changes can create a safer and more accessible environment for them so they can enjoy a greater quality of life as they progress through the disease.

Use these tips to help create a safer, more accessible environment in your elder parents home as they deal with Parkinson’s disease:

Make sure that your parents home is equipped with stable, non-skid surfaces on the flooring.
Remove any pieces of furniture that swivel, slide, or are lightweight to the point that they could tip or fall over if your parent uses it for stability.
Ensure that there is adequate lighting throughout the house to eliminate shadows or darker areas that can be confusing or conceal potential hazards.
Remove any potential tripping hazards from walkways, including loose floor coverings, electrical wires, and decorative items.
Make sure that walkways are wide enough for your parent to navigate safely and comfortably without having to maneuver around items or tight corners. Keep in mind that your elder may need to use a mobility aid and it is important that the walkways are wide enough to accommodate this aid without it getting caught on anything.

If you have been looking for a way to enhance your aging loved ones quality of life as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to start elder care for them. An elder home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a schedule that is appropriate and not just for their needs, but also for the level of care that you give to them on a regular basis.

This means that their needs, challenges, and limitations will be handled in the way that is right for them while also keeping you at the forefront of their care routine. Highly personalized services tailored to their specific needs can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, mobility support, help with personal care tasks such as bathing and toileting, meal preparation, medication reminders, and more.

These elder care services can be reassuring for your aging parent as well as for you as their family caregiver. Through these services you can feel confident your parent will have everything that they need while you are also able to focus energy and attention on other aspects of your life.

Source: http://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Managing-Parkinsons/Activities-of-Daily-Living/Home-Safety

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Matthews NC, please call the professional staff at Caring at Heart today at (704) 379-7510. Serving Charlotte, Statesville, Ballantyne, Mooresville, Huntersville, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Pineville and Indian Trail.