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Month: May 2023

How Do You Help Your Mom Maintain Her Confidence as She Ages?

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

What are your mom’s plans as she ages? Almost 90% of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 want to age at home. It’s not surprising if this is also your mom’s answer, but you have to make sure she is confident and secure while living alone. How do you help her achieve her goal?

Assess Her Home’s Layout and Safety

Go through your mom’s home and address any safety issues that will lower her confidence to live alone. She may benefit from a medic alert system, brighter lighting, more floor space to accompany her cane or walker, or a better kitchen layout that makes it easy for her to reach certain small appliances.

Find Out What Health Issues She’s Facing

How is your mom’s health? If she has any chronic health conditions, she needs to be eating the right foods, taking her medications, and getting the amount of exercise recommended by her physician. If she has a hard time with any of that, it’s time for her to have someone available to remind her.

She may need to see a physical therapist each week. Or, she may need to go to her doctor’s office for frequent blood tests or health checks. Make sure she has the support she needs to do all of this.

See Where She Feels She Needs Help

Ask your mom where she has the hardest time. She may struggle to prepare meals for one after so many years of cooking for a family. If that’s an area she struggles with, find the best ways to help her. She might still want to cook and benefit from meal subscription boxes. She may be sick of cooking and enjoy the thoughts of someone taking over.

Is she lacking confidence in going to the basement laundry room? Does she have a garage laundry area, but she’s scared going down those stairs as the garage is dimly lit and there’s no rail? Some of her concerns can be addressed by adding brighter lights and rails.

Does she feel confident walking outside without someone with her? How about vacuuming her stairs or carrying a vacuum to her bedroom? All of these areas may be problems for her.

Does She Feel Unsafe When Driving?

Is she less confident driving now? If she finds it hard to react as quickly to sudden obstacles in the road, it’s time for her to let someone else drive.

She can have someone drive her to her appointments and area stores. If she has errands to run, someone can join her. The inability to drive doesn’t mean she’s stuck at home. Make sure she knows that.

Arrange elder care services to ensure your mom is confident and secure, even if she lives alone. Her elder care aide is there to provide just enough support without making your mom feel like she’s become useless in her home. A caregiver helps your mom age confidently and enjoy her independence.

Sources:
https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/older-adults-preparedness-age-place

If you are considering elder 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.

Caregiver of the Month for May 2023

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Zahra G. is our Caregiver of the Month for May 2023. Zahra is from Iran, and she has one daughter and four grandsons. Zahra has been a caregiver for many years and enjoys caring for people who need help and to make the lives of our seniors easier and more enjoyable. Caring for people is Zahra’s calling.

Please welcome us in congratulating Zahra as our Caregiver of the Month!

Employee of the Month for Golden Brook

Posted on by Craig Bass

Golden Brook Residential Care Home, a sister company of Golden Heart Senior Care, is proud to announce that Thana J. is our 2nd quarter 2023 Employee of the Month. Thana always greets you with a smile, welcomes you with open arms and makes everyone at the home feel like they are home.

Thana is from Malaysia, and has a wonderful husband and two great sons. Thana misses her 85 year old mother who is in Malaysia. Thana’s saying is “The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.”

Please welcome us in congratulating Thana as our 2nd quarter 2023 Employee of the Month for Golden Brook!

Can Companion Care at Home Help Seniors Reduce Stress?

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

Stress management is an essential aspect of maintaining good health and well-being, especially for seniors. Chronic stress can exacerbate existing health conditions, contribute to cognitive decline, and negatively impact overall quality of life. Companion care at home can play a vital role in helping seniors manage stress through various approaches, such as sharing relaxation techniques with them, reminding them about mindfulness exercises, and helping with social engagement. These are activities that family caregivers might have a tough time helping their seniors to master, but home care providers focusing on socialization and stress reduction can cover a lot of ground.

Using Relaxation Techniques

One of the most effective ways to manage stress is through relaxation techniques that help calm the mind and body. Seniors may not feel as if some of these techniques will really work for them but giving them an honest try can help significantly. Some of these techniques can have physical, real effects like lowering blood pressure and reducing muscle tension. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and even guided imagery are ones that home care providers can walk seniors through trying in just a few minutes.

Encouraging Mindfulness Exercises

Mindfulness exercises are slightly different from relaxation techniques, although they can have similar results on stress. These exercises focus on bringing awareness to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and promote overall well-being for people of all ages. Companion care at home can introduce seniors to mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, mindful breathing, or body scans, and support them in incorporating these practices into their daily routines. Over time, regular use of mindfulness becomes easier to use. Seniors can experience big results from sticking with mindfulness, including lowering stress levels significantly.

Offering Social Engagement

For some seniors, stress is a result of diminished opportunities to spend time with other people. Social engagement is crucial for seniors’ mental and emotional well-being, as isolation and loneliness can contribute to stress and depression. Companion care at home can facilitate social engagement by providing companionship, organizing social outings, and connecting seniors with community resources. Engaging in conversation is something that is easy and doesn’t have to be complicated at all. If seniors are up for outings, elder care providers can help them to plan and to attend social outings. Caregivers can also help to connect seniors and family caregivers with community resources that might help further with socialization and stress relief.

Companion care at home can do so much for aging adults, simply by being there on a regular basis. Companionship alone can help seniors to feel less alone and inspire them to try new things. If seniors are having an especially difficult time managing stress, even with social engagement, it might be time to talk to their doctors about what else might be contributing to that stress. Health issues, particularly ones that are not under good control, can be a significant factor when it comes to stress for aging adults. Getting those health conditions addressed can do a lot.

If you are considering companion 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.

Six Ways Home Care Helps With Meals

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

Your mom has a harder time cooking meals as she gets older. Arthritis pain and stiff joints make it hard for her to slice meats and vegetables and lift heavier pots and pans. Home care services can help her in six different ways.

Menu Planning

While visiting with her caregiver, your mom can talk about what she’d like to eat. You’ll share any dietary requirements your mom has and her caregiver will make sure her meals are low-sodium or whatever is needed.

Your mom’s caregiver works with her to plan a weekly menu. The caregiver will go through her refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and cupboards to determine what she needs for groceries. From there, a shopping list is created.

Grocery Shopping

Once there is a shopping list in hand, your mom and her caregiver can go to the grocery store. Your mom has a caregiver who can drive her and carry bags to and from the car.

If your mom has a hard time reading fine print on labels, she no longer has to struggle to decide what to buy. She has a caregiver who can read the label to check for hidden sugar, high levels of sodium, or unnecessary saturated fat.

Meal Preparation

When it’s nearing time for a meal or snack, your mom’s caregiver can slice and chop ingredients, cook the items, and plate it. The dishes are carried to your mom’s table or TV tray for her to eat. If she needs a drink, her caregiver will get it.

Company While Eating

One of the harder parts of living alone is eating alone. Eating alone can be depressing. Your mom has a caregiver there to join her for a meal. As she eats, your mom has someone to talk to, which can improve her eating habits.

Kitchen Clean-Up

After the meal, the caregiver will clean the kitchen. Dishes are washed or loaded into the dishwasher. Counters are cleaned and sanitized. The sink is cleaned out, and dishes that have been dried or completed the dishwasher cycle are put away.

Safe Storage

Finally, leftovers are stored on time and safely. As meats and items containing dairy need to be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth, your mom’s caregiver makes sure they’re put away before they spoil.

Once a week, the caregiver can go through the refrigerator and make sure that nothing has spoiled. If anything has, the caregiver can compost the spoiled foods, recycle the container, and add the item to the grocery list if more is needed.

Home care aides ensure your mom has the groceries she needs and healthy meals. She’ll have company while she eats. That’s just a start of the reasons you want to arrange home care services. Learn more about meal preparation services and pricing by talking to an agency.

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.

Why Are Seniors Likely to Be Stressed Out?

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

Life gets more challenging as seniors age and they may experience some really big stressors that take a toll on both mental and physical health. Health concerns, social isolation, and cognitive changes are all massive areas of daily life that become central issues for aging adults. When family caregivers recognize these concerns and put solutions in place like hiring senior home care providers, it’s a lot easier to find solutions that work for their family members.

Health Concerns

Health concerns are one of the most common stressors for seniors. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis can limit mobility, cause pain, and impact daily activities in numerous different ways. As seniors age, they may also experience age-related changes such as hearing and vision loss, decreased balance, and memory loss. These changes can lead to feelings of frustration, grief over what they’ve lost, and anxiety. Home care providers can help address health-related stressors by providing assistance with daily activities as needed. They can also provide reminders about medication and help to monitor seniors’ health, ensuring that they receive the care they need to manage chronic illnesses. Elder care providers can also provide transportation to medical appointments and assist with mobility, helping seniors to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Social Isolation

Social isolation is another big stressor for seniors. As seniors age, their social circle may shrink, and they may lose touch with friends and family members who were once a big part of daily life. Seniors who live alone may feel lonely, leading to feelings of sadness and depression. The more time they spend alone, the more they may worry that they’ll always be alone. Senior home care providers can help address social isolation by providing companionship and offering social interaction. They can engage in activities with seniors, such as playing games, going for walks, and having conversations, all while providing seniors with a sense of connection and purpose. Home care providers can also provide transportation to social events and help seniors stay connected with friends and family members through technology.

Cognitive Changes

Cognitive decline, including memory loss and dementia, can be a significant stressor for seniors. Seniors who experience cognitive decline may struggle with daily activities and may require additional support to maintain their independence. In the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, seniors may have significant stress about what the rest of their lives will be like. Senior home care services can help address cognitive decline by providing cognitive stimulation and memory care. They can also engage seniors in activities that promote cognitive function and provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation and medication management. Help from caregivers in the earlier stages of cognitive changes can help them to feel safer and more secure, which reduces stress significantly.

Seniors face unique challenges that can impact their mental and physical well-being. From health concerns to social isolation, these stressors can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Senior home care providers can support seniors in managing these stressors by offering assistance that helps to improve seniors’ quality of life and helps them maintain their independence.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-anxiety-in-older-adults

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

Four Things Elder Care Services Do to Help Your Parents Stay at Home

Posted on by tony pallota

Elder care is one of the most important services your family can consider when your parents are isolated. That isolation could be a preventative measure to keep your parents healthy. It could be the result of an injury or surgical procedure. If they shouldn’t be or cannot go out, caregivers can help out. Here are four services caregivers offer that helps when older adults are self-distancing or stuck at home.

Check-Ins to Make Sure They’re Okay

Caregivers can stop by to make sure your parents are okay. It’s a helpful way to ensure your parents are still okay and not infected with a virus. If they are sick, the caregiver can alert medical professionals. The caregiver can also alert you so that you know what’s going on even if you live hours away and can’t get to them.

Meal Preparation

You might not want caregivers in your parents’ home cooking full meals. It is safe, however, and one of the best ways to make sure your parents are eating well. They’ll cook meals that meet your parents’ nutritional requirements like low-sodium or sugar-free dishes. Your parents don’t go out and get takeout constantly when they should be self-distancing.

Caregivers are trained and equipped to keep your parents safe. They’ll follow rules that disinfect things coming into the home. They won’t come to work if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or don’t feel well. If that happens, another caregiver is assigned to help instead.

Companionship

Your parents don’t have to be stuck in their house. They can go outside for walks. If they’re not steady on their feet and need someone to walk with them, caregivers can do that. They’ll have a caregiver available for walks and supervision outside.

The fresh air and sun will help with mental and emotional health. You don’t have to worry about your parent falling outside and having no one to help.

Grocery and Prescription Pick-Up

Hire a caregiver to pick up the groceries your parents need. They can also stop at the pharmacy to get prescription refills or purchase over-the-counter medications and vitamins your parents need for allergy season, arthritis pain, or general health. Caregivers can stop at a store to get incontinence supplies, tissues, paper towels, and other household necessities.

Your parents shouldn’t be going out to stores right now. It’s not always easy to tell if someone has coronavirus. If someone does and coughs or sneezes, there’s the possibility that your parents will touch an item with the live virus and end up contracting it. You don’t want that to happen, and that’s why elder care is important.

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide.

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Agency

Posted on by Craig Bass

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision and find a home care agency that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

  1. Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you start searching for a home care agency, it’s important to determine your loved one’s specific needs. Are they recovering from an injury or surgery? Do they have a chronic illness? Are they dealing with cognitive decline? Understanding your loved one’s situation and the level of care they require will help you narrow down your search and find an agency that offers the appropriate services.

  1. Research Home Care Agencies

Once you know what type of care your loved one requires, you can start researching home care agencies. Look for agencies that specialize in the type of care your loved one needs, such as dementia care or post-surgery care. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.

  1. Check the Agency’s Reputation

When choosing a home care agency, it’s essential to check their reputation. Look for reviews online, and ask the agency for references from previous clients. You can also check the agency’s accreditation and licensing status to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

  1. Consider the Caregiver’s Qualifications

The caregiver who will be providing care for your loved one is a crucial factor to consider. Ask the agency about their caregiver screening process and training. Look for agencies that employ caregivers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also consider the caregiver’s experience and expertise in providing care for your loved one’s specific needs.

  1. Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Support

Effective communication and support are essential for a successful home care experience. Look for an agency that provides clear and consistent communication with you and your loved one. They should also have a support system in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.

In conclusion, selecting a home care agency is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding your loved one’s needs, researching agencies, checking their reputation, considering caregiver qualifications, and evaluating their communication and support, you can find an agency that provides the high-quality care your loved one deserves.

Introducing Seniors to In-Home Care

Posted on by tony pallota

As people age, it’s common for them to require additional assistance with daily tasks. Whether it’s due to a medical condition, mobility issues, or simply a decline in physical and cognitive abilities, seniors may need help with tasks such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and medication management. In-home care services can provide seniors with the support they need to live independently in their own homes. However, introducing seniors to in-home care services can be challenging, especially if they are resistant to the idea. Here are some suggestions for how to introduce seniors to in-home care services.

  1. Start the conversation early

It’s important to start the conversation about in-home care services early. Waiting until a crisis occurs can make the transition more difficult for everyone involved. Ideally, you should begin discussing in-home care services with your loved one before they actually need them. This will give them time to get used to the idea and consider their options.

  1. Approach the topic with empathy

Many seniors are resistant to the idea of in-home care services because they see it as a loss of independence. It’s important to approach the topic with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that in-home care services can actually help them maintain their independence by providing them with the support they need to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

  1. Involve your loved one in the decision-making process

It’s important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process. Ask them what their preferences are in terms of the type of care they receive, the schedule, and the caregiver. By involving them in the decision-making process, you can help them feel more in control of the situation.

  1. Provide information about the benefits of in-home care services

It’s important to provide your loved one with information about the benefits of in-home care services. In-home care services can provide a range of benefits, including:

  • Assistance with daily tasks
  • Improved safety and security
  • Increased socialization
  • Better health outcomes
  • Reduced caregiver stress

By highlighting the benefits of in-home care services, you can help your loved one see the value of this type of care.

  1. Consider a trial period

If your loved one is still resistant to the idea of in-home care services, consider a trial period. This will give them an opportunity to try out the services and see how they feel about them. Start with a few hours a day and gradually increase the amount of time as your loved one becomes more comfortable with the caregiver.

In conclusion, introducing seniors to in-home care services can be a challenge, but it’s an important step in helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. By starting the conversation early, approaching the topic with empathy, involving your loved one in the decision-making process, providing information about the benefits of in-home care services, and considering a trial period, you can help your loved one make the transition to in-home care services with greater ease and confidence.

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide.

How to Make Adjusting to Home Care Easier for Your Senior

Posted on by tony pallota

Even the idea of home care can be upsetting for some seniors. If you haven’t talked with her about why you’re suggesting this idea, she might fear that you’re convinced that she’s becoming infirm as she grows older.

Talk about What’s Bothering Her

If you and your senior have just been arguing about this idea, you might not realize that you don’t fully understand her perspective. Take the time to talk to her about why the idea isn’t feeling like a good one to her. She may have some valid reasons that you can either explain or work through with her. It’s amazing how validating it can feel to her for you to just listen, if that’s all you’re able to do at this point.

Talk about the Benefits

After you hear your senior out, it might be a good idea to share some of the benefits and reasons for home care services to her. Knowing that she’s safe and secure in her own home might be at the top of your list. There are also tasks that they can take over for her, which can help her to save both time and energy that she can put toward other activities. Lean on those benefits, because that’s going to make the most sense to your senior.

Work Together to Put a Plan in Place

Keeping your senior involved in the plan you’re putting in place is crucial. If you don’t, she’s going to feel as if you’re cutting her out and making decisions around her. That’s never something that you want for her. Talk to your elderly family member about what she needs the most help with right now and what you can do in order to make her life easier. Then talk about how home care can fit into that.

Set up a Time Frame

Something else that can help is to let your senior know that this can be a trial situation. When you set up a time frame, no matter how long or short it is, that helps your senior to know that she’s not stuck with whatever plan you’ve put together with her. If she realizes that she enjoys having some extra help, that’s always something that can be extended.

Just because your elderly family member needs some extra help, that doesn’t mean that she’s feeble by any stretch. Make sure that you share with her how home care services can be empowering for her.

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide.