Nicole Skay, Client Care Manager for All Valley Senior Home Care in San Deigo, California shares some helpful information about the benefits of gardening for senior health and well being.

There are many advantages for older people to work outside in a garden and it is an excellent alternative to excercise besides walking the mall or swimming. Researchers at Kansas State University have shown that gardening can offer enough moderate physical activity to keep older adults in shape.

Benefits to Senior Health

• It increases physical activity and maintains mobility.
• It promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.
• Provides nutritious home grown fruits and vegetables.
• Is an excellent way to get Vitamin D and prevent depression.

Candice Shoemaker, a Kansas State professor of horticulture, stated that older adults who are gardeners have better hand strength and pinch force, which is a big concern as you age. Studies show the differences between gardeners and non gardeners are higher overall physical health, motivation and self esteem, as well as higher levels of hand strength.

Edible gardening has many health and physical benefits for older people. It is a productive way to get out and enjoy the sunshine and improve your mood.

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out thissimple online form. Get Help Now!

Maria Lopez, Administrator for All Valley Senior Home Care in Brawley, California shares her personal story about coping with her husband’s hearing problems, which were caused from loud explosions while in the Army.  As a VIDA Certified Home Care Agency administrator, Maria is able to use her personal experiences to help the families of her home care clients.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

My husband often complained that he was frustrated because people would talk too softly.  We were always repeating what we were saying several times until he understood us. It was very frustrating for him but also for me having to cope with this over and over on a daily bases.
First I had to educate myself about hearing problems and understand the problems my husband was going through. This has enabled me to help him and others in this same situation.

I found there are two common hearing problems:

• Hearing Loss
• Ringing of the Ears (Tinnitus)

Millions of people cope with hearing loss.  The most common causes are:

• Noises – The noises you are exposed to at work, at play or even during common
  chores.
• Age – Changes in the inner ear that occur as you grow older gradual but steady hearing loss.
• Other causes – An injury to the ear or head. Ear infections and ear wax buildup can cause hearing loss.

Some common medications can affect a person’s hearing such as an aspirin, Ibuprofen and some antibiotics.

Assisting Someone with Hearing Loss

• Try to speak to the person at a distance of 3 to 6 feet making sure that your face and mouth and gestures can be seen clearly.
• Arrange furniture so everyone can see everyone else’s face.
• Don’t speak directly into a person’s ear because the visual clue will be missed.
• Speak slowly and don’t shout but speak slightly above normal.
• Try to cut down on the background noise by turning down the television or radio.
• When eating out in Restaurants ask for quiet seating sections.
• If there is a certain word or phrase that is not understood try to find another way of saying it, instead of repeating the same words over and over.
• Treat the hearing-impaired person with respect. Include them in discussions, especially when it’s about them so they don’t feel isolated and become depressed.
• If you change the subject of the conversation, tell them, “We are now talking about _____.”

Ringing in the Ears

Most people have ringing, roaring, hissing, or buzzing in their ear from time to time this usually last only a few minutes. If it doesn’t go away or it happens often they might have a problem called Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is usually caused from being around too much loud noise. It can also have other causes like ear infections, dental problems, and medicines, especially antibiotics or large amounts of aspirin. Consuming large amounts of alcohol or caffeine can also add to the problem.

Things You Can Do at Home to Help

• Cutback on alcohol and caffeine.
• Limit the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, (advil, motrin) and naproxen, (aleve)
• Have ear wax removed safely.

Protecting your hearing,

• Avoid harmful noise. For example: machinery, guns, snowmobiles, motorcycles, lawnmowers, power tools, and loud music.
• Use hearing protection such as earplugs when around harmful noises.
• Control the volume of noise when you can and use quieter appliances when possible. Turn down the stereo, television, and car radio or music player.
• Never use cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to remove ear wax. They can scratch or damage your ears.
• Ask your pharmacist if any of the medication you take can or will affect your hearing.
• When traveling by air, swallow and yawn a lot. If you have a cold, or flu, or possibly a sinus infection take a decongestant or use a decongestant nose spray a few hours before the plane lands.
• Control diseases that affect your circulation, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Some hearing loss may be the result of decreased blood flow to the inner ear.

Hearing loss due to aging usually occurs so gradually that many people may not even know if it has happened. It’s important to find out if you have a hearing loss no matter what caused it.

Simple Hearing Tests

The Radio Test:

• Have someone adjust the volume on the radio or television so it is pleasing to that person. See, if you can hear it well, or do you have to strain to hear it?

The Telephone Test:

• When talking on the phone switch the phone from ear to ear to hear if the sound is the same. Hearing loss related to aging usually affects both ears. But it is possible for only one ear to be affected.

Reasons to See a Health Care Provider

• If your hearing loss develops suddenly.
• If your hearing loss is in one ear only.
• If you develop a hearing problem while taking medication.
• Hearing loss develops with vertigo.
• You think your hearing is slowly getting worse.
• If you wonder if you might need a hearing aid

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

If your loved one’s qualify the Idaho Medicaid program is an option for paying for senior home care services in Idaho. The Idaho Medicaid program can also fund other forms of long term care.

Idaho Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

• For a single person their income cannot be more than $689 a month, they can own one car and one house, and their assets cannot
  exceed $2000.
• For a married couple the income cap is $1378 a month, they can own one car and one house, and their assets cannot exceed more than $3000.
• Must be an Idaho resident.
• Must be a United States citizen or legal non-citizen.

If you would like more information about Idaho Medicaid eligibility or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Bradi Ward, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Walnut Creek, California shares a personal story about coping with her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s disease. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager Bradi helps many family’s deal with their elder loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder resulting in memory loss and changes with thinking, language and behavioral skills. It doesn’t go away and it’s not easy to deal with. This is when the saying “patience is a virtue” comes into play. Having to repeat yourself every three minutes can get tiring real quick. Although there are things you can do to help you get through these days a bit easier.

Keeping a routine is helpful because it creates habit and things just seem to go along easier. Traveling is hard to do because it takes you out of the routine causing confusion with your loved one; they don’t know if they are coming or going. Writing a note explaining in detail what is going on for the day is a very helpful tool we use with my grandma. We place it on her nightstand every night so she sees it when she wakes up everyday. She will still ask some questions but it gets her brain working because she reads it over and over until she starts telling you what’s happening for the day

If you would like more information about Alzheimer’s disease or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Denise Williams, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Escondido, California shares some helpful information about elder abuse, mistreatment and neglect. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager Denise is trained to look for the signs and prevent elder abuse to her clients.

Elder abuse is a problem that has no boundaries. It is the criminal mistreatment of an elderly person generally caused by someone known to the senior, although it can also be committed by anyone who preys on the vulnerability of a senior citizen. This type of abuse is often difficult to discover because it is generally committed by family members or close friends of the victim. Elders are more vulnerable to mistreatment due to several factors such as loneliness or diminishing physical or mental capacities. Elder abuse can take the form of or a combination of physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment, self neglect, and or financial abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as the improper use of physical force that may or does result in bodily harm, injury, physical pain, or restraint of an individual. The existence of these warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean abuse has occurred, but should be construed as signs that an investigation may be required.

Examples of physical abuse include:

• Unexplained or incompatible injuries, lacerations, fractures, welts, bruises, discoloration or swelling.
• Pain or tenderness upon mere touch.
• Burns caused by cigarettes, hot water or ropes.
• Detached retina, bleeding or scalp wounds.
• Elder becomes withdrawn or protective of the suspect.
• Injuries that reflect the outline of an object such as a belt, hand, utensil, etc.

Emotional Abuse

The intentional or reckless infliction of psychological pain, injury, suffering or distress through verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, intimidation or isolation causing mental or emotional trauma or fear. This can be accomplished through exclusion from most outside contact causing the senior to distrust ultimately everyone except for the abuser. While damage inflicted by physical abuse may be obvious, the effects of psychological abuse are much more difficult to detect. Families and friends should always suspect and monitor the behavior of their senior loved one’s for emotional abuse if these warning signs are noticed:

• Unusually depressed and not acting like oneself.
• Confused or extremely forgetful.
• Unexplained mood changes and anger.
• Fear of being touched or approached by others.
• Unusually withdrawn and introverted, afraid or secretive.
• Hesitant to speak freely.

Neglect or Abandonment

The desertion or failure to provide the care and treatment or safety of an elderly person by an individual responsible for providing their care. This includes failure to provide shelter, food, clothing, medical care, personal hygiene or even help with activities of daily living. Again, with this type of mistreatment, it is often times difficult to detect. The following are possible reasons to suspect there may be an occurrence of neglect happening.

• Poor skin condition, dirty or foul smelling.
• Dirty, uncombed or matted hair.
• Malnourished or dehydrated.
• Sudden unexplained weight loss.
• Lack of necessities, including eyeglasses, dentures, prostheses, hearing aids, canes, walkers or other critical items.

Self Neglect

Self-neglect is the personal behavior or inability of an elder that threatens his or her own health or safety who does not have care provided to them by someone else. Self neglect is not a crime, however if you suspect a senior is not getting the proper care required it should be reported so that authorities can assist them in obtaining the help they need.

Financial Abuse

The illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets or the conversion or misappropriation of such property for uses other than for those of the elder. Almost all of us have heard or read stories or may even know of an elderly person who has become the victim of financial abuse. A family member or friend who was responsible for the elder’s best interest suddenly sells their home and property. Keeping all of the money for themselves and leaving very little for the senior to live from thereby decreasing their quality of life. This is a tragic occurrence that happens all too often in the lives of the elderly.

Warning signs that an elder may have been taken advantage of financially:

• Unusual bank account activity (withdrawals from ATM’s).
• Signatures on checks that do not resemble the account owners.
• Checks or legal documents signed when the elder cannot write or understand.
• Numerous unpaid bills when someone else has been designated to pay the bills.
• Changes in spending patterns or items purchased they do not use.
• The appearance of a stranger who tries to begin a close relationship.

Elder abuse is often times subtle and as such, the abuser often relies on the vulnerability of the individual as well as the reluctance of outsiders to address any questions of mental capacity, consent or undue influence. If you suspect that a family member, friend or neighbor is being abused in any way, it is always best to error on the side of caution. Please report all possible elder abuse to the proper authorities, visit the National National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse or call Adult Protective Services.

If you would like more information about elder abuse or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Denise Williams, Client Care Manger for All Valley Senior Home Care in Escondido, California shares advice about talking to an aging loved one about home care services. As a Vida Certified Home Care Agency manager, Denise educates and assists families with senior home care on a daily basis.

As our parents age and their ability to maintain their own independence steadily declines, it may become necessary to discuss the possibility of using home care services. The time may come when your loved one is going to need the supervision and care that you no longer have the ability to provide. Many people experience feelings of guilt when they consider outside care for their loved ones. These are normal feelings and despite them you must realize that you are looking out for your loved one’s best interests.

The decision to start in home senior care is usually a result of health or safety issues as well as a decline in a loved one’s quality of life. For some families, this can be a difficult topic to approach, particularly if the care recipient is resistant to accepting outside assistance. Their concerns may include fears regarding finances, trusting a stranger in the home or even the idea of the loss of independence.

The most common mistake that families make is not bringing up the topic with their aging loved one while their loved one is still able to comprehend what is happening and express any concerns they may have. Their fears should be addressed with complete understanding and prepared knowledge on several different care scenarios. The goal is to talk with them, listen to their concerns and open them up to the idea. It’s best to approach the topic gently and try not to anger or upset them to the point where they become defiant and oppose any idea of receiving help.

It is important that you explain your concerns and include them in the decision process so the solutions can be made together. Take the initiative by preparing yourself, doing your homework and offering options. Getting your loved one to focus on and speak about this topic can be a very challenging process. Let them know you are concerned and that by discussing this topic, you are looking out for their best interests. Your goal is to answer the questions they may have and be able to provide insight regarding your concerns.

Ten Tips for Discussing Senior Home Care with a loved one.

• Choose the right time and place: Choose a quiet, private setting to begin this conversation where you know your loved one is comfortable.
• Ask permission of your loved one to have this discussion: Asking permission assures them that you will respect their wishes and honor them.
• Be honest regarding your concerns: Don’t make promises you can’t keep; be sure to take your loved one’s concerns seriously.
• If they refuse to discuss the idea, you don’t want to pressure your loved one. Be persistent and return to the topic another time.
• Involve them in the care plan. Be sensitive to their feelings and preferences. Acknowledge their desires even if they are different from your own.
• Be patient and calm. No matter how helpless a loved one appears, treating an aging loved one like a child can crush any remaining feelings of dignity or independence.
• Listen to their concerns: It is important for you to understand your loved one when it comes to their care, so spend most of the conversation listening.
• Stay positive and understanding: It is normal to encounter resistance the first time you bring up the need for home care services. Don’t be discouraged, plan to try again at another time.
• Maintain communication: Continue to treat them with respect, patience, sympathy and understanding.
• Include others in decision-making: Recruit other family members to offer their guidance and express their concerns as well.

During the discussion, it is helpful to distinguish what is most important when it comes to your loved one’s care. This should include input from many different sources including your loved one, family members, his or her physician, spiritual advisor, close friends or neighbors. They may have suggestions in recommending the best type of care to meet your loved one’s needs. Most parents don’t want to burden their children, and they will often respond to open, honest communication. Showing them that you are genuinely concerned about their well-being can make all the difference.

If you would like more information or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

Pamela D. Wilson of TheCareNavigator.com shares her words of support once again to help provide client independence through education and information enabling web visitors to plan and make informed decisions on a wide range of available services by accessing quality Senior Care.

Pamela Dombrowski-Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG and CSA, Certified Senior Advisor, specializes in working with individuals and families to navigate healthcare and aging issues with a focus on maintaining independence and planning for long term care.

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks advocating for an older client, Jenny*, who was taken advantage of by a friend. The friend at first was very attentive, caring etc. but then crossed the boundary of personal involvement and actually accessed Jenny’s bank accounts and other personal information. As one might imagine the situation went quickly sour as Jenny did not have funds to pay her bills and other necessities like medications etc. however due to short term memory loss she really could not help herself determine what might be done to solve the issue. A neighbor of Jenny’s contacted me and I became involved. Eventually due to very complicated circumstances a restraining order and other measures had to be put in place against Jenny’s friend to ensure there would be no further access to bank accounts and other information. While Jenny is relieved, the situation is sad because she believed in her friend who was to have her best interests at heart. Many older adults today find themselves in similar situations and are at a loss about what can be done. Know that the situation is not hopeless and measures can be taken to correct many issues. The solution all begins with having an experienced advocate who can work on your behalf.

If you would like more information or need help with a loved one or friend you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

*The name and details of this story have been changed to protect the identity and confidentiality of the client.

A Caring Hand Home Care provides unique training to all caregivers who are providing elderly home care services to clients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The training is taught by Jerri Stanfield, Community Liaison for A Caring Hand and Educational Specialist for the Boise Alzheimer’s Association.

Jerri draws from her many years of experience working with people suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  This experience includes work with the Alzheimer’s Associations in two separate states, ten years training the “Join their Journey” dementia program, seven years as a Residential Care Administrator and the oversight of four dementia memory loss units.

Jerri Stanfield shares some valuable insight from her dementia training program.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving

We have made very positive strides in caring for our dementia population.  As a caregiver each successful moment we have in understanding the behaviors that accompany this disease we can bring peace to both the client and their families.

In days past, “reality training” was initially thought to be the best way to deal with behaviors with someone with dementia.  This would require constantly attempting to bring them to the present regardless of the shock or sadness that might be attached to that effort.  Fortunately, we now realize that any effort in that direction is fruitless and causes undue pain to the person with the disease.  Uniting in thought and support of where the person is at any given moment is the successful path to care giving.

Strategy becomes our friend when we are put in the position of instantaneously solving behavior problems.  Once that path begins, the caregiver can find many rewards when the person they are caring for has peaceful moments rather than fretful ones.   

Redirection has many tools that can assist behaviors and the one element that should always be remembered is, “behaviors are communication”.   Being mindful of that one thought will repeatedly direct the caregiver to search for answers in relation to the person’s life history, in addition to thoughts and fears that accompany dementia. 

Caution should be in place with over stimulation.  This may come in forms of visual or activity in their environment.  The caregiver’s ability to maintain a peaceful, loving, and happy atmosphere will help maintain minimal behavior issues.

Bathing, toileting, and dining issues may also occur as a result of dementia, but there are positive answers for these activities of daily living as well.  

Education is the key to understanding how we may better care for our deserving dementia clients, and support groups for caregivers and families strengthen that team effort.

If you would like more information about Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregiving you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!

The recent outbreak of the swine flu has the world health community on alert as many organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), mobilize for a potential pandemic. Senior home care providers and family members of the elderly community have a responsibility to keep a vigilant watch for the symptoms of the flu and take extra care to prevent the spread of the influenza virus to our elder loved ones.

*The following content is being provided for your information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Influenza Prevention

According the CDC there are some basic steps every person can take prevent the spread of the Flu.

• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow and avoid coughing directly into your hands.
• Avoid shaking hands if possible; If you must shake hands wash or sanitize afterwards.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

The elderly are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases, so we must be especially careful when providing senior home care services. Caregivers who are sick should not provide services to the elderly for at least 7 days after the onset of flu symptoms.

According to the CDC the symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If some one living in the home becomes sick with the flu or flu like symptoms the CDC has provided the following guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Keep the sick person in a separate room and keep the door to the room closed.
• The sick person should not leave the home except for medical care and stay home for at least 7 days after the onset of flu symptoms.
• When the sick person moves about the house they should wear a surgical mask.
• The sick person should be provided their own bathroom and it should be cleaned daily.
• The sick person should have no visitors and only one person in the household should provide care.
• Each person in the household needs to take extra care to wash their hands often. Alcohol based hand sanitizer should be used.
• Caregivers should avoid face to face contact and wash their hands after contact with the sick person.
• The caregiver should wear a mask while both caring for the sick person and when around other people.
• Talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medications.
• Extra care should be taken when handling and washing the linen and clothes of the sick person. Ensure they are dried on the hot setting.
• Each member of the household needs to be monitored for flu symptoms.

The CDC recommends you seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you have any of the following warning signs.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

If you would like assistance or information you can always call us at 1-866-273-2995, visit our Senior Home Care Agency Directory, or fill out this simple online form. Get Help Now!