Keeping You Safe From COVID-19
Interested in a career at Golden Heart Senior Care. APPLY HERE!

Month: June 2021

Learn All About Vascular Dementia in This Guide

Posted on by Craig Bass
Elderly Care in Henderson NV
Elderly Care in Henderson NV

Vascular dementia is just one type of dementia that elderly people can develop. However, it should be noted that many people who have this type of dementia will also receive an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. If your elderly loved one has vascular dementia or you suspect they do, hopefully, you can learn more about this type of dementia in this guide.

Treatment for Vascular Dementia

There are many different ways that doctors treat vascular dementia. Medications are often given to people who have this type of dementia. The doctors also recommend some lifestyle changes, as well. There isn’t a cure available right now for vascular dementia. However, by following the proper treatment plan, you can help your elderly loved one to slow the progression of the disease. It should also be noted that the damage that has been done already is not reversible.

Symptoms of Vascular Dementia

Not everyone who has vascular dementia will experience the same symptoms or even the same severity of symptoms. The underlying cause of this disease can cause variation in the symptoms.

Vascular dementia interrupts blood flow to the person’s brain. Sometimes, the interruption is caused by fatty material that has built up or a stroke. Both of these things narrow blood vessels in the brain. Some of the main symptoms of this type of dementia include the following:

  • Difficulty organizing their thoughts
  • Difficulty taking action
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty problem-solving and decision-making
  • Difficulty verbally communicating
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Changes in personality
  • Losing bladder control
  • Issues with mobility
  • Weakness/numbness in certain areas of their body

If your elderly loved one is experiencing these symptoms, but they don’t have a vascular dementia diagnosis yet, make sure they see their doctor. If your elderly loved one already has this diagnosis, make sure you talk to their doctor about any new or worsening symptoms. In addition, if your elderly loved one has medications to manage symptoms, but those medications aren’t working, be sure you share this information with their doctor, as well.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has helped you to learn more about vascular dementia. There are many elderly people who have this type of dementia. Many of those who have vascular dementia also have an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. If your elderly loved one has vascular dementia, it is important that you or elderly care providers take proper care of them in their home. It is also important that you or elderly care providers make sure your loved one is attending all their schedule doctor’s appointments.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vascular-dementia-and-vascular-cognitive-impairment-resource-list

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Henderson, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Employee of the Month

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart Senior Care’s June 2021 Caregiver of the Month is Emily Rivera! Emily is originally from Los Banos, CA. Emily has been inspired to give back and help people in need since she was 15, and she feels that caregiving allows her to do just that. Emily’s five-year goal is to get licensed as a Nurse Anesthetist. Her favorite part of doing in-home care is connecting one-on-one with her clients. She says “some people really just want to talk, and it’s nice to hear different stories and backgrounds from them.” Emely’s favorite memory on the job was meeting one of her clients who is in remission from cancer treatment; she says the experience was so heartwarming.

We love having Emely on our team and we admire her compassion. We can’t wait to see her grow and reach her goals!

Five Things to Know About Home Care Services

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Summerlin NV
Home Care in Summerlin NV

Home care is designed to help older adults remain independent as they age at home. Some daily tasks become more of a challenge as health issues arise and muscle strength and flexibility change. Here are five things you should know about home care for older adults.

Companionship Care Is a Popular Service

When you think of home care, you probably think of caregivers helping with housework and laundry, meals and snacks, and personal care and grooming. Did you know you can arrange to have caregivers stop by to check in and see how your mom and dad are doing?

Companionship services are very popular. Caregivers stop by for a friendly conversation, an afternoon out for lunch and shopping, or other things your parents miss doing with their friends and family.

You Control How Often Caregivers Come

When you hire professional caregivers, you choose the schedule. The home care provider can help you better understand the time it usually takes to complete the services, but decisions are up to your family. Would your parents prefer weekly visits or several per week?

If you want to stop in each Friday and help out for the day, you can simply choose not to have caregivers that day or week. If your parents need daily assistance, and you’re only free two days a week, caregivers can cover the rest. Talk it over and see how your parents feel.

Services Are Changed as Needed

What happens if you arrange caregiver services and your mom’s health changes? She only needs help with housekeeping at first, but then she falls and also needs help with meals and transportation. It’s easy to add and remove home care services with a local agency.

You can drop services as your mom heals. If she needs more caregiver visits, that’s also easy to arrange.

They Help Retain Independence

One of the biggest fears older adults have as their health and mobility change is losing their independence. Caregivers have one goal, and that’s to make their clients stay in their homes and enjoy independence for as long as possible.

With someone helping complete more challenging daily tasks, your parents can enjoy staying in their home, doing things that they love, and coming and going as they please. Caregivers help out where your parents want them to help out, and the rest is left for your parents to do.

You Can Use Them for Your Benefit, Too

Family caregivers don’t always realize that home care also helps them out. You’ve been caring for your dad after his stroke, and it’s been years since you had a vacation. You’re burned out. Use respite care services to take a much-needed break. You go on your trip and hire caregivers to help your mom while you’re away.

Your parents gain many benefits when they have home care aides helping them out. Companionship is one of the best ones, but it’s just one of the many perks. Call a home care agency and talk about the services available in your area.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Summerlin, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Caregiver Training

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart is proud to announce that we have completed another successful caregiver training session with our team members. This month’s training covered proper transferring, and caregiver safety.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed lunch and team member bonding. We want to thank all of the team members who participated in this month’s training session!

Post-Surgery Tips for Your Elderly Loved One

Posted on by Craig Bass
Elder Care in Henderson NV
Elder Care in Henderson NV

Surgery is a big deal. No matter what your elderly loved one has to get surgery for, it is important that you and your loved one are prepared for what will happen after their surgery. The good news is that there are some general post-surgery tips for you and your elderly loved one. Having these tips can help to ensure you are both more prepared for what to expect when their surgery is done.

Emotional Support

Depending on what type of surgery your elderly loved one is getting, they might need some emotional support afterward. For instance, if your elderly loved one is getting heart surgery, it may be a very scary experience. Your elderly loved one might need someone to be around to help them cope with these emotions. You, an elder care provider, and a therapist may all be great options. Even if you don’t think the surgery is a big deal, that may not be the case for your elderly loved one. Try to remember they are the one going through this and they may need your emotional support.

Physical Support

Your elderly loved one might need physical support after their recovery, as well. Depending on the type of surgery they are having, the time frame for this type of support can vary. For instance, if they are having an exploratory laparoscopy, the recovery time will usually vary from a few days to a few weeks. However, if your elderly loved one is having open-heart surgery, for instance, they are going to need a lot more care and support. If this is the case, you might need to hire elder care providers to help.

Attending Follow-Up Appointments

It is also very important that your elderly loved one attends all of their follow-up appointments. These are essential so that their doctor knows how things are going. Just a phone call to the doctor isn’t enough. It is essential that your elderly loved one goes into the doctor’s office. If you can’t get them there, be sure to ask an elder care provider to drive your loved one there. If there are concerns before your elderly loved one’s appointment, be sure to call the doctor so you can get them in sooner, if needed.

Conclusion

These are some of the post-surgery tips that you and your elderly loved one should know about. If you use these tips, you can help your elderly loved one to have a smoother recovery process. It is important to remember that no surgery is easy or simple. Even ones that seem basic can still take a toll n your elderly loved one. Due to this fact, your elderly loved one is likely going to need at least some physical and emotional support after their surgery.

Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/postoperative-care

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Henderson, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Did You Know Senior Care Can Help Ease Loneliness and Isolation?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Senior Care in Las Vegas NV
Senior Care in Las Vegas NV

Approximately one out of every three Americans aged 45 or older feel lonely. It gets worse. One out of four Americans aged 65 or older is socially isolated due to retirement, friends or family moving away, chronic health conditions, or hearing loss.

Loneliness and isolation are concerning at any age. If your mom and dad are lonely or isolated, it can impact their mental and physical health. Learn more about the risks of regular isolation and loneliness.

What the Studies Show

Several studies have linked social isolation and loneliness to a higher risk of chronic health conditions. One study found that people with limited social interactions had a 32 percent higher risk of stroke and 29 percent higher risk of heart disease. People with heart failure who were socially isolated had a higher risk of hospitalization or death.

Similar studies have shown that people who are lonely and isolated have a higher risk of developing dementia. That risk is almost 50 percent higher.

Tips for Engaging Socially

When you are lonely and isolated, it can be hard to find ways to become more social. After retirement, it’s easy to fall out of the habit of seeing friends. You don’t have to leave home. Plus, people move on to new states for better weather or a lower cost of living. Your parents have a smaller social circle for that reason.

You need them to become more engaged, but how do you make it happen? Start by getting them to find things that interest them. Your mom loves swimming. Look at local pools and see if any offer water aerobics classes. She would do something fun and meet others with similar interests at the same time.

Volunteering is another way for your parents to make new friends and become social. Your dad enjoys reading, so see how he feels about volunteering at his local library. Your mom enjoys flowers. She could volunteer to deliver flower arrangements to patient rooms at the hospital. A senior care provider can accompany your senior to volunteer assignments or simply offer transportation to and from them.

Maybe your parents would do well at the local community center. If they attend various social events, they’d be around others their age doing fun things like going to a local restaurant, taking a fitness class, or learning how to cook. Luncheons, dances, and movie nights are other popular activities at community centers.

Have Companions Come to Them

As soon as you suspect your parents feel lonely or isolated, it’s time to talk about senior care services. Caregivers can stop by to play games, socialize, or watch a movie with them. Arrange senior care as often as your parents would like to have someone visiting.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557972/

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Las Vegas, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.