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Author: Craig Bass

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.

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.

When should seniors stop driving?

Posted on by Craig Bass

As people age, their driving abilities may decline due to a number of factors such as slower reflexes, vision problems, cognitive impairment, and medical conditions. This can raise concerns about their safety on the road and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. However, giving up driving can also mean a loss of independence and mobility, which can be a difficult transition for seniors. So, when should seniors stop driving?

The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability, not just their age. Some seniors may be able to drive safely well into their 80s or 90s, while others may need to stop driving earlier due to medical conditions or cognitive impairment. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and assessing whether it’s time for them to stop driving.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a senior to stop driving:

  1. Difficulty with basic driving tasks: This may include trouble with braking or accelerating, staying in the correct lane, and maintaining a safe speed.
  2. Getting lost or disoriented while driving: Seniors who get lost or confused while driving may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory problems.
  3. Increased accidents or near-misses: If a senior has been involved in multiple accidents or near-misses, it may be a sign that their driving skills have declined.
  4. Difficulty seeing or hearing: Vision and hearing problems can make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially in low-light conditions or when navigating busy streets.
  5. Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, or other side effects that can impair driving abilities.

If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have a conversation about their driving abilities and consider alternative transportation options. Family members and caregivers can work together to find alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driving programs.

It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, as giving up driving can be a difficult transition for seniors. Encourage seniors to express their concerns and feelings, and work together to find solutions that meet their transportation needs while ensuring their safety on the road.

In conclusion, there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability and any medical or cognitive issues that may impair their ability to drive safely. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and finding alternative transportation options when it’s time for them to stop driving.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleeping Issues

Posted on by Craig Bass

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. They experience all sorts of issues including sleeping issues. Many people who have this disease have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are many reasons for this that you and their caregivers should be aware of.

Trouble Sleeping

Your elderly loved one might have trouble sleeping. If you have noticed they have had changes in the way that they fall asleep or stay asleep, it is time to find out what the issue might be. The first thing to note is that this disease, alone, can cause people to have trouble sleeping. There is something in their brain that causes sleep disruptions. It could be they are feeling restless or anxious before going to bed. Whatever the issue might be, these troubles sleeping should be addressed.

You should pay attention to how your loved one is behaving. Pay attention to how they are acting before bedtime. If they seem anxious about something, find a solution for their anxiety. You should also be sure that your loved one gets ready for bed 15 – 30 minutes before their bedtime. This way they can get laid down and situated before it is time to fall asleep.

Sundowning Syndrome

Sundowning is when your elderly loved one displays negative behaviors around sundown and through the night. Sometimes there are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help manage the sundowning symptoms.

You should also make sure your loved one’s sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible. Increasing the activities they do during the day can help to tire them out for nighttime, as well. Lastly, you and your loved one’s caregivers should make sure they don’t have electronics during the evening or nighttime.

Hallucinations

Your loved one might also experience hallucinations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may see things in their bedroom that make them scared to fall asleep. It might seem as if the shadows are strangers in their house. This can be very frightening for your elderly loved one.

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, the first thing to do is make sure they talk to their doctor about it. In addition, you should make sure the corners of their rooms are lit. This will prevent them from seeing things in the dark. You should also make sure there aren’t any noises that could be deemed as scary throughout the home at nighttime.

These are some of the sleeping issues that your elderly loved one might have with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure you and their caregivers do your best to understand what they are going through and help them in any way that you can.

Sources
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-deprivation-increases-alzheimers-protein
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/6-tips-managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers

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

What You Need to Know Before Becoming a Cancer Caregiver

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

A caregiver is a person who helps an older adult diagnosed with cancer, whether it’s a friend or a family member. Usually, the primary caregiver is a spouse, parent, partner, or adult child. Close friends, neighbors, or colleagues may fill this role if the family is not around. When a senior has cancer, support is critical to the emotional and physical well-being of the patient. With cancer treatments given in outpatient centers, hiring a professional in-home care service is a good idea.

Certified caregivers have many roles that change depending on the senior’s needs during cancer treatment. In addition, in-home care experts also serve as companions and aides. They help dress, feed, and bathe older adults. This gives you time to focus on other critical aspects of treatment, like arranging schedules, providing transportation, and managing insurance issues.
If you lead a busy lifestyle, a professional in-home care provider can step in as a housekeeper, companion and mobility assistant while ensuring your loved one gets quality care. Even though caring for a cancer patient is a moral obligation, there’s a time you may need help. A trained caregiver can handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to take some time for yourself.

Know What You Can Do

As mentioned, caring for an older loved one with cancer is admirable. However, there’s a time when it can take a toll on you, regardless of your intentions. The reality is that caring for a sick senior for a long period by yourself is not realistic. Consider working with a professional to leverage the expertise and experience of dealing with a cancer patient.

Introducing in-home care to help care for your older loved one gives you peace of mind knowing your senior is getting the best help at home. Cancer is a progressive disease, and without the knowledge to detect new or pre-existing symptoms can be fatal. Alleviate the guesswork and rigorous schedule a consultation with a reputable in-home care service. You can also rely on home caregivers to access specialized equipment needed for treatment.

In-Home Care Services

Cancer no longer requires inpatient treatment since patients can receive proper care within the comfort of their homes. Hence, finding the right health and personal service goes a long way in ensuring proper recovery and mitigating advanced diseases. Trained professionals can help follow the doctor’s instructions and prescriptions to enhance recovery and improve the overall quality of life. Different diagnoses determine the type of care, which can be difficult for an untrained person to provide.
In-home care providers can help get specialized experts and compassionate care at home instead of hospitals or other facilities. This is also a cost-effective solution since all the care will be provided at home without regularly scheduled appointments.

Before you take the responsibility of caring for an older adult with cancer, consult a professional to ensure the level of quality meets the standards to improve your senior’s well-being.

URLs:
https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/caring-loved-one/tips-being-successful-caregiver
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support

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.