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Author: Craig Bass

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. 

Getting Help with Caring for Someone Who Has Dementia

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Fishers IN
Personal Care at Home in Fishers IN

Are you a family caregiver for someone who has dementia? If so, it is crucial that you have a plan in case you get sick, become disabled, or can’t take care of your elderly loved one for any other reason. Personal care at home can be invaluable to the care of your senior as they progress through the stages of dementia.

Talking to a Lawyer

It would be a good idea if you worked with a lawyer to ensure that you had the following in order:

  • Living trust
  • Durable power of attorney for health care
  • Finances
  • Estate

It would also be a good idea if these things were in order for your elderly loved one, too. Getting this stuff in order now helps to prevent a variety of issues later on, too.

Consulting with Friends and Family

If you are currently caring for your elderly loved one on your own, it is vital that you find other people to help sometimes, too. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up caring for your elderly loved one completely. It just means that you need a break at times, even if you aren’t hurt or sick. Family members, friends, and personal care providers can help with your loved one’s care. If your elderly loved one doesn’t receive personal care at home services, this may be something you want to get set up.

Keeping a Notebook

Another one of the best tips for caring for someone with dementia is to keep a notebook. There are numerous ways that this notebook can come in handy, as long as you are including the proper information in it. Some of the things that should be put into this notebook include:

  • Current behaviors/problems
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • How to calm your elderly loved one
  • What type of assistance they need from grooming to toileting
  • Favorite activities
  • Favorite foods and drinks

While you don’t want the notebook to be overwhelming for whoever is going to look at it, you do want to make sure there is plenty of information in it to inform everyone involved in their care. It would also be a good idea for each person who is caring for your elderly loved one to make a few quick notes every day, during their shift, about any changes or improvements to your elderly loved one’s condition. For example, there may be medications that are helping to stabilize some of your elderly loved one’s symptoms. While these won’t be better forever, even some improvement in the meantime is good.

Personal Care at Home Can Help

Do you care for someone who has dementia? If so, it is vital that you get the help you need from home care assistance as the disease progresses or you become unable to care for their changing needs. Personal care at home is vital to your parent’s safety while aging in place.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving-caring-yourself

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Fishers, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

Heart Health Should Be a Priority Every Day

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in Greenfield IN
In-Home Care in Greenfield IN

Heart health should be something that your elderly loved one focuses on all year round and not just every once in a while. There are so many senior citizens who struggle with heart disease and other heart-related conditions. While some heart conditions are genetic, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still things that can be done to improve overall heart health. If your elderly loved one needs help making healthy lifestyle choices that can improve their heart, be sure to share these tips with them regularly. When you can’t be there to ensure your parent follows through, an in-home care provider can step in and help your parent make positive steps toward improved heart health.

Moving Should Be a Priority

One of the leading reasons for heart health issues in the elderly is lack of movement. Studies show that living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of heart disease and heart attacks. Luckily, this is something that can be easily changed. If your elderly loved one really isn’t an active person right now, they don’t have to jump up and run a marathon. You and home care providers can get them moving by starting to have them take a short 5 to 10-minute walk each day. They can slowly increase the amount of physical activity they get daily until they are at a healthy amount of about 30 minutes a day.

Eating Heart-Healthy Foods

Another one of the ways that your elderly loved one can take care of their heart is by eating a heart-healthy diet. This is one of the keys to living a healthy, happy, and longer life. Studies show that senior citizens who avoid trans fats that are commonly found in margarine, fried fast foods, and packaged goods have much better heart health than those who don’t. This doesn’t mean just because your elderly loved one eats fast food once a month they are going to have heart disease. It just means the more they can avoid it, the better their heart health could be. If your elderly loved one is looking for someone to make this lifestyle change with them, maybe it is something that you could consider for your own heart health, too.

Sleeping Well at Night

Does your elderly loved one seem to take a lot of naps during the day? If so, does this keep them up at nighttime? Maybe there is another reason they aren’t sleeping well at night. Did you or your elderly loved one know that sleep issues are one of the main causes of heart health problems in the United States? If your elderly loved one isn’t sleeping well, now would be a good time to figure out why, so they can hopefully fix the issue before it causes problems with their heart.

Conclusion

These are some of the many different things that should be considered when it comes to your elderly loved one’s heart health. The more of these things that you and in-home care providers can help your elderly loved one to stick with, the better it can be for their heart health.

Sources
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Greenfield, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

How Does 24-Hour Home Care Work When Your Dad Lives With You?

Posted on by Craig Bass
24-Hour Home Care in Indianapolis IN
24-Hour Home Care in Indianapolis IN

One mistake family caregivers often make is thinking that they can’t have a caregiver help out when their parent lives with them. You’ll find 24-hour home care services are especially helpful when your dad lives with you. But, how does it work? Wouldn’t it infringe on your privacy?

What Is Your Living Arrangement?

When family members move a parent in with them, they usually convert an area of the home into an in-law apartment. This arrangement makes it possible for everyone to have some privacy while being under the same roof.

In this case, the caregivers providing 24-hour care will come and go without impacting your privacy. But, you might have your dad in a spare bedroom in your home. Will that impact privacy?

Remember that the caregivers are there to help your dad. They’re not there to get in your way or infringe on your privacy. You do need to give the caregivers room to work, however, and you can’t interfere. Let them do their job.

What Can 24-Hour Home Care Aides Help With?

What will 24-hour home care aides do for your dad? First, they are on duty throughout the day and night. If your dad has been waking you up in the middle of the night seeking a meal or snack, those days are over.

Have caregivers tend to his needs during the night. You get the right amount of sleep to properly function each day. You’ll be able to focus on your job, your children, and your personal life. You also can spend time with your dad when you want.

The 24-hour home care aides are not there to do your chores, however. You can’t ask them to do your laundry, dirty dishes, or cook your meals. The caregivers are not there to drive your children to school. Remember that they’re there to help your dad with personal care and companion care needs.

Avoid conflict by having a clear list of tasks your dad needs and what you and your children are responsible for. Note what you will do, such as be the one to drive him to his doctor’s appointments, and what the caregivers need to do. Don’t ask them to take on chores that are on your list unless it’s directly related to your dad’s care and they approve it.

Partner With 24-Hour Home Care Aides

Don’t let your dad’s care interfere with your job, your children’s needs, and your personal life. If you push your need to socialize, work, and take care of your family aside, you can impact relationships and your self-care needs.

With 24-hour home care aides, you’re able to support your dad when the time is right, but you’re not giving up the rest of your daily routine. Call a home care agency to learn more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Indianapolis, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

What You Need To Know About Seniors And Parkinson’s

Posted on by Craig Bass
Elder Care in Brownsburg IN
Elder Care in Brownsburg IN

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and it’s a great time to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and seniors. Parkinson’s disease affects more than a million people in the U.S. and there are more than 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed very year. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but early detection can mean earlier treatment. And the earlier your senior loved one starts treatment the better the chances are that the progress of this disease can be delayed. Starting elder care as soon as possible following a diagnosis is one important step toward combatting the side effects of the disease. Some other things that you and your senior loved one should know about Parkinson’s are:

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors in the hands. But there are other symptoms that you and your senior loved one should look out for like: loss of balance, shuffling or problems walking, depression, anxiety, tremors in feet or fingers as well as hands, rigidity in muscles, headaches, and more. If you notice any of these symptoms in your senior loved one you should get them to a doctor to be checked for Parkinson’s disease. Even if your senior loved one isn’t displaying symptoms they should be checked at least once a year for any signs of developing this disease.

Is It Hereditary?

There is no definite hereditary link to Parkinson’s disease, but it does seem like it runs in families. If a close relative in your family had Parkinson’s disease it’s possible your senior loved one will have it. It’s also possible that you will get it, which makes regular screenings essential. If you’re worried about missing the symptoms of Parkinson’s in your senior loved one elder care at home can help. A trained caregiver can notice and document any symptoms of Parkinson’s that your senior loved one displays. That way you can track the progression of the symptoms and confer with their doctor about possible treatment.

Screenings

Parkinson’s screenings are recommended for seniors who are over 60. If there is a family history of Parkinson’s then you should really start getting screened yourself after the age of 50. Starting treatment early can delay the onset or the progression of symptoms. If your senior loved one hasn’t been to the doctor in awhile now is the time to make an appointment to have them seen and evaluated for any medical health conditions including Parkinson’s disease.

Aging At Home With Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the brain. As the brain slowly atrophies because of the disease your senior loved one may lose their mobility, or start to experience dementia. While both of those may be challenging it doesn’t mean that your senior loved one must leave their familiar and beloved home. In fact, keeping your senior loved one in familiar surroundings can help them resist the symptoms even longer. With elder care that caters to the needs of those with Parkinson’s your senior loved one may live comfortably and safely at home for many years.

Sources:
https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics
https://parkinsonsdisease.net/elderly-population

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Brownsburg, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

What To Do If Your Senior is Having a Stroke

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Carmel IN
Home Care in Carmel IN

With sophisticated medical tests and therapies, seniors over 80 are experiencing better recovery results from strokes than ever before. Although this may be reassuring for you, there may come a time when you witness your parent having a stroke. It’s important to be aware of the signs of stroke, and especially vital for your senior to have help if they have already had a stroke before, like support from home care providers. Here are a few important things to look for if you think your senior might be having a stroke:

Understanding The Signs Of a Stroke

You may start to panic if you have never seen your parent having a stroke, but it will be crucial to remain level-headed. This is not the time to panic. Firstly, you need to know the signs of a stroke before understanding if the senior is having one. Here are the first things to look for:

  • Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg that occurs suddenly—particularly on one side of the body
  • Sudden disorientation or difficulty speaking or comprehending you
  • Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
  • Dizziness, lack of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking all occur suddenly
  • Sudden onset of severe headaches for no apparent reason

If a senior is experiencing one or all of these symptoms, it is time to take the first steps to get them help. Keep in mind strokes can be different for every person. Some seniors may experience severe nausea and vomiting, or others will have double vision. Strokes can hit fast, and it is essential to communicate what is happening and get help right away.

What To Do If a Senior Is Having a Stroke

When you know your parent is having a stroke, there are three things you need to do to ensure they get help.

Call 911 Immediately

When you understand the signs of a stroke, which can sometimes be hard to recognize, the first thing you need to do is call 911. You can tell them you are with a loved one who you believe is having a stroke. Try not to stress or scare your parents out but calmly call for an ambulance and assistance.

Look At The Time

You may be super worried about your parents and unable to focus on anything else. However, you will want to note the time the symptoms started occurring, what time you called for help, and keep track of how long things will last. This will help you relay the information to the paramedics who arrive to help.

Always Perform CPR If Necessary

Strokes can be scary, and there may be instances where you need to perform CPR on your loved one. If you live with an older adult, you may want to take classes to understand how to properly do CPR if you have never had to do it.

Following a stroke, it’s important for your senior to have support in their recovery. Home care can be there as much or as little as they need, providing mobility assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation to doctor and therapy appointments, and more. Enlist the help of home care before your senior even leaves the hospital, so they can hit the road to recovery running.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Carmel, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

You’re Helping Your Dad, But Who’s Helping You?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care Assistance in Fishers IN
Home Care Assistance in Fishers IN

Since his stroke, your dad cannot manage activities of daily living without someone’s help. You jumped in to help, but you realize it’s more than you were expecting. It’s time to address some of the issues family caregivers face when caring for their aging parents.

Ignoring Their Health Needs

A percentage of family caregivers push aside yearly medical check-ups to free up time. Sometimes, it’s a case of spending so much time in medical offices with your dad that you simply can’t stand to go again.

Putting off your medical care is a bad idea. Regular exams are the best way to identify health issues in their early stages. You need to attend health exams on a regular schedule. That means things like mammograms, blood tests, colonoscopies, and measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure do not get pushed aside.

Poor Eating Habits

You spend so much time helping your dad that you’re not in a mood to cook when you get home. Instead, you pick up fast food or takeout. These high-salt, high-fat meals aren’t healthy. You need to find quick, easy recipes that offer the balanced diet you need.

Spend a day preparing meals you can put into a slow cooker. Aim for a type of lean protein, whole grain, and plenty of vegetables. Soups, stews, and casseroles can cook all day and include all of the components you need for healthy eating.

Lack of Socialization

You’re with your dad all day. You constantly tell your friends you don’t have time to meet up. Your social life is taking a hit, and you don’t know what to do.

You cannot let your dad’s care impact your social life. Ensure you’re taking time each week to be social. Go out with friends, have a small gathering in your home, or join a support group to have the chance to talk to others.

Too Little Free Time

Many family caregivers are sandwiched between generations. They’re caring for children, spouses, and parents simultaneously. You don’t have enough hours in the day to do everything for each member of your family.

When it feels overwhelming, it’s time to look into home care assistance. Have caregivers take over some of the tasks on your list. Things still get done, but you’re not the only one responsible for them. You free up time.

Home care assistance is the best way to ensure your dad has a helping hand while getting the break you need. Caregivers help your dad while you run errands, stay home and tend to your own needs, or go on vacation.

To arrange home care assistance, make a call. Talk to a home care specialist to get answers to your questions and to learn more about prices.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Fishers, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276

5 Steps Seniors Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risk

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Indianapolis IN
Personal Care at Home in Indianapolis IN

February is National Cancer Prevention month and it’s a fantastic time to learn about ways you and your senior loved one can reduce your risk of cancer. Seniors are the age group most affected by cancer. Most people who are diagnosed with cancer are over the age of 65. And considering that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. the chances of a senior developing cancer are very high. It’s not always possible to prevent cancer. But there are lifestyle changes that seniors can make that can lower their risk of developing some kinds of cancers. Here are a few changes they can make, and how personal care at home can help:

Wear Sunscreen

Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer. Seniors should wear sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body whenever they go outdoors. Even if the weather is overcast wearing sunscreen is a good idea. And even in the winter sunscreen should be worn. Sunscreen protects the skin from damage caused by the UV rays of the sun. Those UV rays are damaging whether it’s summer or winter. If your senior loved one always forgets to put on sunscreen have their personal care at home provider make sure that they put on sunscreen when leaving the house.

Eat A Diet That’s Mostly Plants

Study after study proves that eating a diet that is mostly vegetables with some lean protein and healthy fats like avocado has big health benefits for everyone. But those benefits are especially significant for seniors. Switching to a diet that contains mostly vegetables and fruits will give seniors a healthy immune system that is capable of attacking cancer cells and defeating them when they pop up. It can be tough to get seniors to eat enough vegetables or to eat enough food at all but a personal care at home provider can help. Personal care providers for seniors do a great job of getting seniors to eat healthier by helping them plan, shop for, and cook healthy meals.

Get Treatment For Minor Illnesses

When minor illnesses and infections go untreated the body’s natural immune system must work around the clock to try and fight them off. That means that the immune system won’t have the power it needs to obliterate cancer in the early stages. If you notice that your senior loved one seems to be ailing or has a cut that could be infected get them seen by a doctor and get any medications that the doctor recommends.

Get More Vitamin D

Even though the research is still being done there is some evidence that large amounts of Vitamin D can help prevent cancer. Your senior loved one should be taking a Vitamin D supplement if their doctor recommends it to help prevent cancer.

Lose Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the chances of developing some kinds of cancer. It’s very important for seniors to do whatever they can to stay at a healthy weight.

Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-10-commandments-of-cancer-prevention
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/older-adults/cancer-and-aging

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Indianapolis, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276