Rhode Island

Driving is one of those topics that can be very touchy in older adulthood. Changes in perception and health issues can at times change the way that seniors drive and many families feel that they should take away the keys, but in turn removing that crucial sense of independence. Aging boomers are changing the shape of older adulthood, and driving is falling into this category as well. More seniors than ever are on the road, and accident rates have
actually declined.

• As baby boomers age, there are more older drivers on the road

• Older drivers today seem to keep their licenses longer and are more comfortable traveling longer distances

• The number of fatal crashes involving older adults have declined, which has been a focus since seniors with health conditions, and that are physically more fragile can mean an accident has much more severe effects

• Older adults rarely pose a risk to other drivers on the road; when crashes do occur, often the only risk they pose is to themselves

• Today’s older adults are better recognizing their impairments, such as limited mobility and how that might impact their ability to drive. They adjust their driving habits accordingly

Via: ScienceDaily

Image Source: sxc.hu

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.

Falling is a big worry for many seniors who are more prone to potentially serious injuries as they get older, and for those that suffer with chronic pain, there’s even more reason to worry because their risks of falls increase. Chronic pain is relatively common amongst older adults 70 and older, and this can increase the potential for falls by up to 50%. Despite the fact that this is a prevalent problem, it often goes untreated both at the fault of seniors and their doctors. Take matters into your own hands if you’re a senior who suffers from chronic pain to protect your health.

1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal

2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand

3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances

4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine

Via: Chronic Pain Support

Image Source: sxc.hu

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.

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are not nursing homes, despite that common misconception. They offer seniors a greater level of independence that’s more like living in their own home than a more hospital-based setting. However, at an ALF they can receive the assistance that they need in order to maintain the lifestyle they’ve chosen while ensuring health and safety is also a priority.  Unfortunately, ALF services are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, but some private insurance carriers may foot some of the bill – however for some seniors the services and benefits can be more than worthwhile:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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.

Shopping for seniors can be a big challenge, especially after so many years of holidays and gift exchanges. This year, think about the things that they could really use; here are a few suggestions to get you shopping!

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

Image Source: www.sxc.hu

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.

Bringing multiple generations of family members together can be a challenge, when the members of different demographics feel like they just don’t have enough in common with one another. What we all need to remember, is that family should come first, and that means finding intergenerational activities that everyone can appreciate.

1. Take a field trip – take your senior care recipient out on a day trip, and even invite other caregivers and their seniors to come along. Travel to a museum, go see a movie, or visit a nice park. Keep the whole day to 6 hours or less, so it’s not sure long that the seniors still enjoy themselves. A nice day like this can help seniors and their caregivers bond.

2. Throw an intergenerational party – get all generations of family together for a nice meal and a casual day of games that everyone can enjoy. Serve foods that are good for even the pickiest eaters

3. Document family history – when all generations are together, use a tape recorder or create a scrapbook of family history. Let the older generations lead and have the rest of the family add on

4. Get creative – art is a great way to bridge the generational gap. Purchase some simple supplies and create a mural, or do a group craft together suitable for all ages

5. Garden – setting up a garden and getting all the family involved, creates a bonding experience which can be enjoyed over family meals when the fresh garden produce is cooked and consumed!

Via: Suite101

Image: dailymail.co.uk

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.

Q – I’ve heard the expression “old and senile”, do all seniors really experience a mental decline?

A – Seniors can experience cognitive changes as they age, but according to Dr. Gene Cohen, older adulthood isn’t all about decline of the mind, it’s actually a time for growth and development according to these 4 stages:

1. The Midlife Re-evaluation Stage – this stage is about exploration and transition. At this period in your life, start thinking about what you’ll want from your retirement. This is a good time to start dreaming about the future!

2. The Liberation stage – at the beginning of your retirement, once you enter this stage, let go of your inhibitions and start exploring and creating. This is a great time to take on new hobbies, envision what you want for yourself and your life during you retirement, and to make it happen!

3. The Summing up Stage – this stage occurs in the 60s, 70s and 80s and are about reflection and resolution, which is so important at a time when seniors need to accept the changes the aging process brings, and overcome it to ensure that they are successful and happy through the remainder of their lives. It’s also a great time to find new activities that help you to cope, so you have an outlet for the emotional trials you’re dealing with

4. The Encore Stage – it’s not the end, but a new beginning; the perfect time to cope and prepare for what might be ahead and be grateful for what you have

Via: Examiner

Image: guardian.co.uk

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.

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.

We know that caring for a senior isn’t always easy. Every day, all across the country, people juggle the demands of their busy lives.  Jobs, children, and dozens of other activities all compete for time.  And then mom or dad gets sick or otherwise needs in-home help.

These seniors’ adult children – the ones who typically end up as their caregivers – are referred to as the “sandwich generation,” caught between providing for their own young families and assisting their aging parents.  They’re already stretched to the limit, and the strain shows no sign of easing.  That’s largely because of numbers; by the year 2030, 70 million Americans – 20 percent of the population – will be over the age of 65.

In anticipation of this tremendous need, back in 1994 Lori and Paul Hogan co-founded Home Instead Senior Care in Omaha, NE.  Now, just over a decade later, the company finds itself the unquestioned leader in the international non-medical senior care industry, with more than 700 independently owned and operated offices throughout the world.  Here are some global statistics:

• More than 37,000 CAREGivers;
• Hundreds of thousands of clients served; and,
• 20 million hours of service delivered annually.

View more on non-medical home care in our next post.. visit soon.

Non Medical Home Care

• Companionship – These include companionship and conversation; meal preparation; medication reminders (but not administration); plant care; playing games and watching videos; and doing crafts and activities; and,
• Home Helper – For instance, light housekeeping; helping with laundry and ironing; taking out garbage; assisting with pet care; escorting to appointments and events; and even Alzheimer’s care.

These services are provided by trained, committed professionals called CAREGivers – who, for the most part, will not have to be licensed by the states in which they work.

Either way, however, Home Instead Senior Care Rhode Island requires that its CAREGivers be the most skilled and trusted in the business.  This starts with a careful evaluation and screening process that includes each applicant providing six references.  Those selected are insured and bonded.  Then, they undergo the best training in the industry: an ongoing, multi-phased program that turns compassionate individuals into extraordinary CAREGivers.