Rhode Island

When the holidays are finally over, it is very common for many seniors to experience some type of depression. In most cases, this is just temporary, but some seniors may actually be suffering from clinical depression which will require treatment. It is important to be aware of the signs of depression. If a loved one begins to exhibit signs of depression, caregivers and family members should point it out and make sure the senior talks to their doctor about the current issues.

1.            Most feelings of depression around the holidays are temporary. Seniors will be able to continue functioning and will go on with daily activities. However, there are some seniors who will become clinically depressed and will not be able to function. This is when the senior will need some professional help.

2.            Seniors who have changes in sleep and eating habits may be depressed. They will also show very little interest in things they usually enjoy. These are key signs that the senior may be suffering from depression.

3.            If the depression is ignored and not treated, it can lead to other problems such as an additional loss of independence, premature death, suicidal thoughts and actions and the aggravation of symptoms associated with other illnesses.

4.            Caregivers and family members need to watch for depression warning signs around the holidays. These include changes in mood, behavior, habits and weight, inability to concentrate, lack of energy and interest, persistent sadness and withdrawal socially.

5.            There are many forms of treatment available to help seniors deal with their depression, but the first step is to notice the symptoms and talk to a doctor.

Source: GMHF Online

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

The life expectancy of people in the United States has increased. With people living longer, there is also an increase in the number of seniors needing home care services. Elder care is an important topic in the US and there are many caregivers who take on the role to provide services to a family member. The following information contains some facts regarding elder care in the US.

1.            More than 12% of the population in the United States is over the age of 65. This is expected to double in the next 25 years. It is believed that by the year 2030, almost 72 million US residents will be over 65.

2.            The population of those over the age of 85 is expected to double by 2030, reaching 9.6 million individuals.

3.            More than 80% of those considered to be a senior have at least one chronic health condition. These are the people that will benefit from home care in the future.

4.            There are millions of people, about 25% of the population, who are currently providing assistance to a senior parent or family member. A large percentage of all caregivers are women.

5.            Typically, the average caregiver is a female around 46 years of age who is married and employed at a full time job.

6.            Of those who have a caregiver, 88% report that that person is their spouse.

7.            Most caregivers will spend more than 40 hours a week providing care and 70% are spending less time with their family and friends as a result. 90% of all caregivers suffer from depression.

8.            Studies have indicated that extreme stress from being a caregiver can take as many as ten years off the life expectancy of the caregiver. Caregivers also are more prone to having a chronic condition as a result of the stress, depression and exhaustion that comes along with being a caregiver.

Source: Home Instead

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

There will come appoint in the life of most Rhode Island seniors where they will require a little extra care. This could be due to an illness, disease or injury. However, it is important to determine what would be best for the senior. Many family members do not have the time to provide care and will immediately opt for a nursing home. While this may be the easy way out for the family member, it may not be what will benefit the senior. The information below discusses the differences between at home care and nursing home care.

1.            Home care can consist of different services. Some seniors will only require one while other may need a combination of services. The most common at home care services include home health aides, physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing care and occupational therapy.

2.            While these same services are available in a nursing home, seniors who are in a nursing home will lose their independence. This is an important thing to consider when making a decision regarding the right form of car for a senior loved one.

3.            At home care must be provided by an approved Medicare group.

4.            The services offered at many nursing homes, aside from the senior being watched around the clock, include wellness programs, meals, assisted living and activities.

5.            While it may seem a nursing home is the easier choice, it does depend on the functioning of the senior. If they are able to care for themselves and just need some additional assistance, there is really no need to place them in a nursing home.

Source: Health Core FAQ

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

When a family member in Rhode Island becomes ill or suffers from a health condition that is related to aging, they may require the assistance of a caregiver. Most caregivers are family members who volunteer their services to help the senior. Becoming a caregiver is a big deal. It will require many sacrifices. To prepare for this new role, the following list contains some important things that must be considered.

1.    Lay foundations. By establishing baseline of important information on the senior, the caregiver will be able to determine what services will be needed and how they can be of assistance to the senior.

2.    Medical assessments and diagnoses are important. As a caregiver, it is important to have all of the current medical information on the individual. This includes all diagnoses, medications and medical assessments. This information will be useful when preparing to provide care for the senior.

3.    Become educated. Make sure you know all there is to know about the medical conditions of the senior. Try to share this knowledge with friends and family members. The more understanding a person has of the issues the senior is dealing with, the more helpful a caregiver will be.

4.    Determine needs. Not every senior has the same needs. Some may need help bathing a dressing while others will simply need assistance managing medications and appointments. Be sure to know how well the senior can function independently before they require any help.

5.    Devise a care plan. Again, this will vary depending on the needs of the senior. The needs will change over time, so a care plan is meant to be adjusted. However, it should be in writing so others will know what the senior needs if the caregiver is not available at a given time.

6.    Examine finances. Providing care to a senior also means making sure their finances are taken care of. Caregivers need to make sure bills have been paid and that the senior is a financially stable as possible. Keep all financial records in a safe location.

7.    Review any and all legal documents. This will help ensure the wishes of the senior will be carried out. If necessary, go over these documents with an attorney. Legal documents also include birth certificates, property settlements, military records income tax returns and wills. There are many documents that will have to be gathered, so make sure to get all of this information and keep it in a safe location.

8.    Have safety checklists. This will help to make sure the home is safe for the senior. Whether they are living in their own home or residing with the caregiver, there should be a list that will ensure the safety of the senior while they are in the home.

9.    Keep in contact with others. Having communication with other caregivers who are facing similar situations is a great way to get extra support. It is also a great way to learn new ideas and ways of dealing with certain situations. Other caregivers can offer a lot of knowledge on different topics that could pertain to any senior.

10.     Care for yourself. This is one mistake that many caregivers make. They are so wrapped up in caring for others that they tend to neglect their own needs. As a caregiver, you must set time aside for yourself. This is essential if you want to be an effective and efficient caregiver.

StrengthforCaring.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Long Distance Caregiving to Alzheimer’s Patients

Being a caregiver is difficult enough, but when the senior has dementia and you are a long distance caregiver, it can become even more of a challenge. Even though a person cannot be in close proximity, there are some things that can be done to make the caregiving process easier and more effective. Below are some tips that can benefit caregivers and the seniors they care for.

1. Make sure to be aware of what services are needed. People with dementia may need assistance doing daily tasks. When visiting the home, be sure to notice what they can do on their own. This will provide a better sense of what kind of services could help.

2. Check the food in the refrigerator to make sure there is enough and that it is not spoiled. Watch how they function in the kitchen.

3. If the home is messy, they may need help maintaining the inside and outside of the home. Laundry can also be a chore for many seniors. Those with dementia will have even more problems. If the senior needs help with laundry and other things around the home, hiring a PCA can be beneficial.

4. Create a list of support contacts. This should include individuals and resources that can help coordinate care from a distance.

5. Keep a current list with names and numbers and note what kind of services they provide.

6. Keep in touch with their doctor so you will always be updated on medical conditions.

7. Make the best of physical visits. While visiting, make necessary appointments, talk with friends and other family members about how the senior is doing and make sure to make time to reconnect with the senior.

BancroftthisWeek

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Senior shower and bathroom safety is a topic that many family members and caregivers are concerned with. Keeping seniors safe when they are living at home can be a difficult task. However, by using some of the tips that are provided below, seniors will be able to use the bathroom and shower safely. These tips will provide a sense of relief for many caregivers.

1. Caregivers should be aware of any physical restrictions that the senior may have. This could affect their ability to shower on their own. If there is concern, these seniors may need assistance while in the bathroom

2. All bathrooms that are used by seniors should have safety equipment installed. This does not mean the entire room must be remodeled. Installing safety bars and non-slip mats could help protect seniors in the shower.

3. Some seniors could benefit from having a telephone placed in the bathroom. If the senior owns a cordless phone, taking it into the bathroom when they shower is a good idea. This way they will be able to call for help if they fall.

4. Many seniors do not have a lot of physical strength. This could prevent them from doing simple tasks while showering. Using a shower chair could help keep the senior safe while showering.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1764390_17.html

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Medications and Seniors

It is very common for seniors to have various medications that need to be taken throughout the day. When seniors miss doses or use the medication incorrectly, this could lead to serious health problems in the future. Seniors who are taking different medications should always know what the consequences are if they do not comply with the orders from the doctor. The list below contains additional information on medication adherence.

1. Adherence refers to properly taking a medication, including taking the right dose at the right time.

2. When seniors do not follow medication orders, there are many consequences that could have a negative effect on overall health.

3. Non-adherence includes not filling a prescription, skipping doses, stopping the medication before recommended, taking more of a medication than is prescribed, taking the medication at the wrong time, taking medication with foods or other medications that are prohibited, taking medication that is expired and using medical devises the wrong way.

4. To help patients with managing their medications, patients should be educated on the benefits of the medication as well as the consequences associated with not taking it properly.

5. Making medication regimens simpler can help patients keep track of their medications, making sure they are taken correctly.

6. Seniors should have a daily routine for medications and keep a checklist. An alarm can also be useful when taking multiple prescriptions throughout the day.

Source: Updatefrom.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Importance of Writing Observations

When a person is responsible for the care of a senior, there are many factors that will be involved. One of the best ways to help manage and coordinate care is to write down all observations. This will help caregivers collect important information and monitor the health and functioning of the senior.

1. Make sure to note the abilities of the senior. Caregivers should note how they function mentally and physically.

2. Always have a written list of available family members. This can help when the senior needs additional care or the caregiver requires medical information.

3. Make notes about the physical environment in which the senior lives. These notes should include whether the environment is accessible and if it can be adapted at a reasonable cost.

4. Caregivers should also write down their other responsibilities, including at home, work and in their community. This will help them manage their time more effectively.

5. Caregivers also need to keep track of their own health and physical abilities.

6. Financial resources should always be noted, both for the caregiver and the senior receiving the care. This includes available insurance, end-of-life documents and the existence of healthcare.

Source: http://www.nfcacares.org/pdfs/CareManagmt.pdf

Many seniors will require a caregiver when they have multiple medical problems. In many cases, this caregiver will be a family member. Since there are usually other family members that are concerned about the care of the senior, family meetings can play an important role. Below is a list that contains some of the benefits associated with family meetings.

1. All members of the immediate family should be present at family conferences. This is where they will be told what is going on in terms of the care the senior is receiving.

2. These meetings can help divvy responsibilities to all family members so one person is not taking care of the majority of the responsibilities. This will also help alleviate misunderstandings.

3. Family conferences should have an impartial moderator present. This could be a care coordinator, a member of the clergy or a trusted family friend.

4. Family meetings are a great way to make sure everyone is informed of the status of the senior. It will also allow family members to feel they are involved in the care.

5. Family caregivers will benefit from these meetings because they will be able to ask for help if they need it. Caring for a senior is a huge responsibility, so it may be necessary for other members of the family to take on some of the responsibilities to assist with care.

Source: NFCACares.org

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

“That 20 minute walk in the fresh air with my best friend was just what I needed.”

“At lunch I turn off my phone and email and shut the door. Then I close my eyes and enjoy the quiet for 15 minutes. It’s wonderful.”

Just 15-20 minutes here and there each day when you can focus on yourself will make a world of difference in managing your caregiver stress.  According to a new Home Instead Senior Care survey, 55 percent  of the family caregivers that eventually employed their professional caregiving services appeared to have above average or significant levels of stress as they came on board. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

These tips are recommended while taking care of an aging loved one:

• Work out: Exercise and enjoy something you like to do (walking, dancing, biking, running, swimming, etc.) for a minimum of 20 minutes at least three times per week. Consider learning a stress-management exercise such as yoga or tai-chi, which teach inner balance and relaxation.
• Meditate: Sit still and breathe deeply with your mind as “quiet” as possible whenever things feel like they are moving too quickly or you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a caregiver. Many times you will feel like you don’t even have a minute to yourself, but it’s important to walk away and to take that minute.
• Ask for help: According to a national survey by Home Instead Senior Care of adults who are currently providing care for an aging loved one, 72 percent do so without any outside help. To avoid burnout and stress, you can enlist the help of other family members and friends, and/or consider hiring a professional non-medical caregiver for assistance. There is no need to feel guilty for reaching out.
• Take a break: Make arrangements for any necessary fill-in help (family, friends, volunteers or professional caregivers). Take single days or even a week’s vacation. And when you’re away, stay away. Talk about different things, read that book you haven’t been able to get to, take naps, whatever relaxes you and makes you happy.

Read more Tips on Managing Caregiver Stress

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.