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Month: March 2022

Understanding How In-Home Care Helps With MCI

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in Henderson NV
In-Home Care in Henderson NV

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. If your dad has been diagnosed with MCI, you can take steps to help him age in place, like starting in-home care as soon as possible. Learn more about MCI and how it can impact your parent’s abilities now and in the future.

What Is MCI?

Upwards of 20% of adults 60 or older have MCI. It’s a condition where memory skills have gotten slightly worse than they should at that age. However, it’s not Alzheimer’s or dementia, and some people have MCI and never develop dementia. People who have had a stroke, diabetes, or depression are more at risk.

When you have MCI, you’re still able to complete activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Your memory isn’t that bad. Mainly, you might forget that you had an appointment. You might lose your keys and not recall the steps you took earlier that day.

Suppose your dad is at work and has been running the same machine for decades. He knows the steps to start the machine, run his product, change settings, and close the machine down at the night’s end. He starts forgetting the steps, and his boss issues multiple warnings.

That’s an example of MCI. He can still do his work, but he forgets steps along the way. It might be simple aging, but you worry that it’s the first sign of Alzheimer’s. It’s time to talk to an expert for guidance.

If you suspect your dad has MCI, you should take him to a doctor. It’s best to have his cognitive skills checked every six months to see if it’s progressing. If it does progress, the diagnosis shifts into dementia. Don’t let your dad stress too much about this. Only 10% to 20% of MCI cases progress to Alzheimer’s.

Talk About In-Home Care Now

What happens if it’s MCI, but there is suspicion it might be progressing? It’s important to stay calm. Your dad is likely scared, but you need to make sure he knows he has your support. Do this by coming up with a list of his goals for aging in place. See what he wants to happen.

Would he want to downsize or stay in his home? Does he want to have a family member move in, or would he feel that would intrude on his desire for privacy? Caregivers can stop by and offer the help he needs with housekeeping, meals, transportation, organization, personal care, etc.

In-home care services are ideally arranged before dementia worsens. In the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, your dad will not remember faces and names. Help him get acquainted with caregivers in the early stages.

By doing so, your dad has had time to adjust to having in-home care services. A familiar bond is formed with the caregivers that come to help out. Call an in-home care specialist to learn more.

Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-mild-cognitive-impairment

 

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

March 2022 Employee of the Month

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Indra M. has been awarded the March 2022 Golden Heart Employee of the Month. We are so proud of Indra!

Indra has been an employee with Golden Heart Senior Care since July 2020. Indra is from Trinidad and Tobago, she has been married 27 years and has one beautiful daughter and a son in law. She retired from a mental hospital after 15 years of management in the food and housekeeping department. Indra enjoys working with her clients because they put a smile on her face and she puts a smile on theirs.

We are so proud of Indra!!!!

February 2022 Employee of the Month

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Marvely C. has been awarded the February 2022 Golden Heart Employee of the Month. We are so proud of Marvely!

Marvely has been with Golden Heart Senior Care since July 2020. She was born in Jamaica and raised in England. When she was 24 years old she got married and moved to Germany.

After moving to the USA, she worked in a Jewish nursing facility where she became a caregiver and went to school at The Red Cross to get her CNA license.

Marvely has one daughter and three wonderful grandkids.

We are happy Marvely works for our organization, we are so proud of her!!!

Way to go Marvely!!!!

Cold Prevention Tips for Your Elderly Loved One

Posted on by Craig Bass
Senior Home Care in Henderson NV
Senior Home Care in Henderson NV

While many people are taking steps to reduce the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus and other illnesses, it’s still possible to come down with a cold. If you are caring for your elderly loved one, there are some cold prevention tips that can be shared with them. If your elderly loved one follows through with each of these tips, they will have a much lower chance of getting sick from a cold.

Hand Washing

One of the best tips for preventing a cold is hand washing. There are many resources out there that talk about how long someone should wash their hands and how to get the hands fully clean. In addition, by having your elderly loved one wash their hands regularly, it can help to prevent the spread of their germs to others and to their face. By doing this, they not only reduce the risk of others getting sick but lower the chances of themselves catching a cold or getting other illnesses, too.

Prevent Face Touching

Another reason that people often catch a cold easily is that they are touching their faces a lot. The more someone touches their face, the more chances there are for germs to spread into their nose and mouth – increasing the chances of getting sick. If you notice your elderly loved one touches their face a lot, it may be a good idea to have a senior home care provider who can remind them not to do this. If your elderly loved one can break this habit, they can keep themselves healthier.

Regular House Cleaning

Another way that your elderly loved one can lower their chances of catching a cold is by cleaning their house regularly. Research shows that germs are mostly on countertops, doorknobs, and other surfaces in the home. If someone doesn’t clean their house regularly, the germs are likely to get spread through the air and onto hands. Then, when someone touches others or their own face, the germs can spread, causing everyone to have an increased risk of getting sick. A senior home care provider can work with your elderly loved one to keep their home clean.

Conclusion

Do you feel that your elderly loved one is getting sick a lot? What about during the winter months or when spring is almost here? Does your elderly loved one catch colds often? If this is the case, you should encourage them to follow the tips noted above. These tips can significantly reduce their risk of catching a cold. Not only that, but if your elderly loved one follows through with those tips, they can reduce their chances of spreading germs to other people, too.

If your elderly loved one has already gotten sick, a senior home care provider can help monitor their condition while you are away. Elderly people can get sick very fast, even from the common cold. If your elderly loved one doesn’t seem to be doing well, make sure they see a doctor as soon as possible.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults

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

Learn These Four Facts on American Diabetes Association Alert Day

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

The American Diabetes Association established Diabetes Alert Day to fall on the fourth Tuesday each March. The goal is to raise awareness of the realities of diabetes and the impact it has on your health. Have your parents seen their doctor and talked about their diabetes risk?

Maybe, your mom or dad has already been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. It’s important to learn what to do to prevent diabetes from worsening their health. These four diabetes facts are essential for you to know.

The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Several other health issues increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. If your mom or dad has any of these conditions or histories, it heightens the risk.

  • Family history
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Diabetes also impacts the risk of being diagnosed with chronic health conditions like gum disease, stroke, and heart disease. That’s why it’s essential to get tested for prediabetes.

Millions Have Diabetes or Prediabetes

In the U.S., around 96 million adults have prediabetes. Of those, 80% may not even know it. There are no symptoms, and it’s often silent until a blood test reveals high glucose levels.

Over 37 million people have diabetes. About 20% of those people do not realize it. Type 2 diabetes accounts for nine out of ten cases of diabetes. This is a 2x increase in just two decades.

Prediabetes Shows an Increased Risk

Your parents’ doctors can check their risk for prediabetes to determine the risk of developing diabetes down the road. An A1C test is a blood test that checks the average glucose levels in the blood.

If the A1C test is used, make sure your parents do not have underlying health issues like anemia, kidney disease, or liver disease. Those conditions can impact the results.

Medications Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The first steps to managing diabetes are losing weight, exercising often, and eating a healthy diet. Your mom and dad should skip sugary, high-fat foods and focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, non-fat dairy, and lean protein.

If those steps don’t help, medications may be recommended. One of the options for type 2 diabetes is a medication that slows glucose production within the liver. These medications aid in how your body uses insulin.

Arrange to Have Home Care Providers Helping Your Mom and Dad

Whether your parents have diabetes or have a higher risk due to prediabetes, they need to pay close attention to their health through diet and exercise. If they don’t feel comfortable shopping for groceries and cooking meals, bringing in home care can be the best step you take.

With the help of home care aides, your parents have someone supporting them regarding exercise routines, meals, and medications. Their caregivers encourage them to go for walks or put on an instructional Yoga video. They provide medication reminders, assistance with shopping, and help with menus and meal preparation. Call to learn more.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/quick-facts.html

 

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

Eight Things Your Mom Should and Shouldn’t Do After a Hip Fracture

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Henderson NV
Personal Care at Home in Henderson NV

Around 300,000 older adults fracture their hip each year, receiving injuries that require hospitalization. Women are more likely to fracture a hip. Your mom is now part of that statistic. What should she do and not do after fracturing her hip? Here are a few things to remember and how personal care at home can play an important role in her recovery.

She Shouldn’t Cross Her Legs

Sitting with crossed legs isn’t often advised for a couple of months. Your mom’s doctor will tell her the appropriate amount of time, but it’s usually between six and eight weeks. Remind your mom to ensure she doesn’t forget and go to sit with her legs crossed.

She Should Use Higher Seating

Sitting down on a low seat is challenging. Your mom may find it hard to get back up. Bar stools with a sturdy back and comfortable seat are helpful when it comes to sitting.

She may need a booster on her toilet. If that’s not possible, make sure she has a personal care at home aide to help her stand back up after going to the bathroom.

She Shouldn’t Bend Over

It may take several days or weeks before your mom can bed down from a sitting or standing position. She shouldn’t bend more than 90 degrees when standing up. If she drops something, someone needs to get it for her.

She Should Work With a Physical Therapist

Your mom should work with a physical therapist to regain a full range of motion. In between therapy sessions, she must continue doing the recommended exercises on her own to build muscle strength and aid in her recovery.

She Shouldn’t Stop All Activities

Your mom may need to limit the amount of time she spends exercising, but she shouldn’t stop completely. She should work out enough for the muscles to stop aching and take a break before straining anything.

She Should Use Heat to Help Loosen Her Muscles and Joints

Ice packs can help ease pain, but heat helps loosen your mom’s muscles and joints. Before doing her exercises, your mom should apply a heating pad for 15 minutes.

She Shouldn’t Sit With Her Knees Higher Than Her Hips

Your mom needs to watch how she sits. Her knees need to be an inch or two lower than her hips. It reduces the stress placed on the hip joint. It makes it easier to stand up, too.

She Should Let Personal Care at Home Help

Your mom needs to let others help out. She needs to listen to her doctors and do as they say. That might mean slowly building strength after a hip fracture.

Make sure your mom follows her medical team’s recommendations. Hire personal care at home aides to help her change sheets, do the laundry, clean the home, and get to and from stores and medical offices. Call an agency to learn more.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/hip-fractures.html

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