Newsroom | Caring at Heart

Creating Plans for Your Parent’s Care in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

April 17, 2018 by Shanele Healy

Hearing the diagnosis that your aging parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease is a life-changing moment for you as a family caregiver and for your aging parent. When you hear that diagnosis, you are at the beginning of a journey that will progress and change, and that will require you to respond to the changes as quickly and effectively as possible to ensure that your parent gets the level of care that they need throughout this disease.

Home Health Care Indian Trail NC – Creating Plans for Your Parent’s Care in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

This starts with making plans as soon as your parent is diagnosed. Even though the challenges and symptoms that your parent will experience during this stage will be mild, this is the ideal time for you to start planning for the future. Your parent’s cognitive functioning will be at its highest at this point, allowing them to be as involved as possible in the planning process so that both of you can feel absolutely confident moving forward.

Use these tips to create plans for your parent’s care in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease:

Talk to their doctor about the challenges that they might face at each stage of the disease so that your parent can feel less anxious and you can feel more confident about your ability to care for your parent moving forward.
Talk to them about the benefits of introducing home health care into your care routine. Bringing this type of care into their routine early ensures that both of you will have the opportunity to get accustomed to the care and to create routines that can carry through the rest of the arrangements.
Talk about their potential need to transition out of their home later in the progression and the benefits of them moving to a home closer to your family, or even into the home with your family. Being closer to you, having a less complex home to navigate, being safer, and having the ability to save money can all be meaningful benefits and you may find that it is wise to consider this transition earlier in the progression.
Talk about their feelings regarding end-of-life issues such as artificial resuscitation, life support, and DNR orders. Recording these now can help you to make these decisions more confidently and reduce anxiety for your parent.

Starting home health care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them in the course of your caregiver journey with them. Whether your parent has only minor to moderate needs or requires constant support and assistance, a home health care services provider can be with your parent to ensure that they get access to exactly what they need.

This will allow them to manage their challenges, limitations, and needs in the ways that are right for them while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence, activity, and fulfillment as possible as they age in place. As their family caregiver, this can give you tremendous peace of mind and reassure you that even when you are unable to be with your parent, they are still getting the best level of care and support.

Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Indian Trail 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.

Meaningful Modifications to Your Parent’s Bedroom to Reduce Fall Risk

April 4, 2018 by Shanele Healy

When many people think of fall risk for elderly adults their minds immediately go to moving up and down steps, walking on slippery floors, or tripping while out of the house. As a family caregiver, however, it is extremely important to realize that seniors are at risk of suffering a fall in all areas of their life.

This makes taking steps to secure their surroundings, improve their daily routine, and reduce risk a critical element of their care. This means making sure that their risk is reduced as they are both beginning and ending their day in their bedroom.

Some meaningful modifications to your parent’s bedroom that you can make to reduce their fall risk include:

Home Care Waxhaw NC – Meaningful Modifications to Your Parent’s Bedroom to Reduce Fall Risk

Consider lowering your parent’s bed so that they do not need to climb into or out of the bed. Avoid putting the mattress directly on the floor, however, as it can be difficult for your parent to lower themselves or get up from so low.
Add bars to the bed to prevent them from falling out of the bed and to provide some leverage when sitting down or getting up from the bed.
Consider using a toilet chair in the bedroom at night so that your parent does not have to navigate their way to the bathroom.
Make sure that they are able to turn the light off from their bed rather than having to turn the light off by the door and then walk over to their bed in the dark.
If this is not possible, consider adding glow-in-the-dark tape or paint that will guide them throughout their room.

If your parent has been struggling with a health challenge or limitation that has increased their care needs, your own schedule or ability to care for them has changed, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to consider home care for them. A home care services provider can be a valuable source of support for both you and your parent, supplementing the care that you already give them, and helping them to pursue a lifestyle that is more independent and fulfilling as they age in place.

These home care services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, mobility support, meal preparation, help with sensitive care tasks such as bathing and toileting, companionship, medication reminders, and more.

Sources: http://shellpoint.org/blog/2012/08/13/10-shocking-statistics-about-elderly-falls/

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0922-older-adult-falls.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Warhaw 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.

8 Caregiver Hacks So Easy You’ll Have to Try Them

March 20, 2018 by Shanele Healy

Being a caregiver is tough, especially if you’re new to it and have become a caregiver suddenly, as is often the case when an aging parent falls ill or becomes injured. Some of the obstacles you face may seem insurmountable, but the good news is that you’re not the first caregiver. Caregivers who have come before you have come up with some pretty creative hacks to get around all sorts of situations. Below are 8 hacks that can make being a caregiver just a little easier.

Caregiver Concord NC – 8 Caregiver Hacks So Easy You’ll Have to Try Them

#1 Improve Grip with Everyday Items

For older adults who have problems with hand strength, you can try using items from around the house to make it easier for them to hold things. For example, drill a hole in a tennis ball and put it on a fork or spoon handle to make the utensil easier for an arthritic hand to hold. Or, wrap rubber bands around a glass to make it less slippery.

#2 Prevent Doors from Locking or Pinching Fingers

Seniors with cognitive issues may have difficult with doors that lock or close automatically. They may become frightened at the thought of being locked in. Doors that close automatically can also pinch fingers. To prevent these situations, caregivers can cut a pool noodle in half and fit it over the edge of the door up toward the top.

#3 Snap a Photo Before Shopping

Before you go grocery shopping, use your smartphone to take pictures of the content of the refrigerator and pantry. That way you’ll know which staple items you need to buy without taking the time to make a list.

#4 Use Yarn on Zippers

Zipper pulls can be hard for aged fingers to grab hold of. Loop a piece of yarn through the zipper pull and knot it, giving the senior something to grasp.

#5 Simplify the Remote

Older adults with vision or cognitive problems can have trouble using television remotes. Make using the remote easier by taping off buttons they don’t use and clearly marking the power, volume, and channel buttons.

#6 Use Temporary Tattoos as ID

Seniors with dementia may wander and become lost during outings. You can purchase temporary tattoos online that are customized with the person’s identification information. A temporary tattoo can’t be lost or misplaced, so it can help reunite you with the senior sooner.

#7 Color Code Your Keys

Paint the ends of your keys with different colors of nail polish to make identifying the right key easier when you’re in a hurry to open a door.

#8 Plan and Prep Meals in Advance

Make a menu for a week’s worth of meals before going grocery shopping. This can reduce the amount of time caregivers spend running to the store. Also, choose meals that you can prep ahead of time and freeze for quick use.

Sources: https://thecaregiverspace.org/caregiving-hacks/

https://www.guideposts.org/friends-and-family/caregiving/caregiver-burnout/10-caregiving-hacks-to-make-life-easier

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver 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.

When Should You Be Worried about Your Senior’s Health?

March 6, 2018 by Shanele Healy

It’s not always easy to know when your senior might need extra help from you or from elderly care providers or when the situation is far bigger than that. Here are some clues you can watch for in your senior’s behavior and reactions.

Elderly Care Pineville NC – When Should You Be Worried about Your Senior’s Health?

She’s Losing Weight or Refusing to Eat

If your senior is losing weight or she doesn’t want to eat very often, that can be a huge problem. It can mean that your elderly family member is having problems eating or possibly having a difficult time cooking for herself. You’ll need to get to the bottom of why she’s having so much trouble so that you can find the right solution for her problem.

She’s Not as Active as She Once Was

As your senior ages, she’s not likely to be as active as she once was. She may gradually become less active, but when she or you notice, it might feel like a sudden decline. A lot of this might have to do with retiring or even with your senior managing old injuries that are becoming more painful. Her doctor may have ideas to help her become more active.

She’s Been to the ER a Lot

Being sick enough to have to visit the emergency room or even to have to remain in the hospital are signs that your senior may not be as healthy as either of you would like. These visits might be due to a variety of different reasons or they could be a factor of a specific health condition that is worsening.

Her Strength Is Decreasing

Your elderly family member can lose muscle mass and strength for a variety of reasons from not eating right to not exercising enough to maintain her strength. Starting a light exercise routine with her doctor’s approval can help quite a bit, but there are other contributing factors, too. Take a solid look at your senior’s diet and see if upping her protein intake might help.

She’s in Pain or Uncomfortable More Often than Not

Pain or constant discomfort is how your senior’s body lets her know that all is not well. If you’re noticing that your elderly family member is experiencing pain or discomfort more often, be sure to talk with her doctor. That conversation can help to figure out what your senior needs in order to start feeling better.

When you know what to really look for, it’s a little easier to spot health problems in your aging family member. Make sure that you talk to your doctor any time that you notice something new or disconcerting, though, no matter how insignificant you might think it is at first.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly 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.

Helping Wheelchair Bound Seniors Remain Social

February 20, 2018 by Shanele Healy

When a senior is confined to a wheelchair, it can be hard for them to stay socially connected with friends and family. Their disability makes it difficult for them to get out of the house on their own. Sometimes a wheelchair makes it hard for family caregivers and home careservices providers to get the senior into certain public places. As a family caregiver, you may sometimes wonder how you can help your aging relative to stay social.

Though it can take some planning and a little work, there are many ways you can help. Here are just a few.

Check the Venue

Home Care Services Matthews NC – Helping Wheelchair Bound Seniors Remain Social

When planning an outing for a wheelchair user, check ahead that the venue is accessible. Although there are regulations that apply to public places, there can be situations where the rules don’t apply. For example, old buildings may be grandfathered in so that they do not have to be fully accessible. Also, keep in mind that the homes of relatives and friends may pose a problem. Even if the older adult can get into the house, they may not be able to get into the bathroom. Knowing ahead of time that a place is fully accessible can take the stress out of an outing and allow the older adult to enjoy the day instead of worrying. An home care services provider can call ahead to ask about accessibility, including the width of doorways and whether the wheelchair can fit into the bathroom.

Work with an Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist can help your aging relative to learn how to perform certain activities while in a wheelchair. They often have creative ideas that make life easier and can help older adults to problem solve getting out of the house. A home care services provider can drive the older adult to occupational therapy appointments.

Pull Up a Chair

Conversations are more comfortable and meaningful when they take place eye to eye. Gently remind friends and family members to sit down instead of standing over the senior and talking down at them. A home care services provider can offer visitors a chair near the older adult so they can sit and chat.

Don’t Focus on the Wheelchair

Encourage visitors to focus on the person instead of on the wheelchair. Even though people mean well, it can help to be prepared for insensitive comments. Try a funny comment or reminding the visitor that the wheelchair helps the senior to stay safe and be more independent. Or, simply redirect the conversation to topics the older adult enjoys talking about.

Sources: https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/ms-stay-social-wheelchair#1

http://www.enjoyingtheride.com/2013/07/10-tips-for-how-to-socialize-with.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home 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.