All Home Care Matters

We've recently discussed stress in the caregiver and how you should care for yourself while caring for others in order to prevent caregiver burnout. On today’s Quick Tip episode, we'll be taking a look at the warning signs of stress in seniors. After going through the signs and symptoms, risks, and common causes of stress in seniors, we can then begin identifying how family, caregivers, and friends can help to minimize stress in their aging loved ones.

Stress affects all age groups, but it specifically impacts seniors more than any other age group. In older adults, the immune system isn't able to work as well as it once was. It takes longer to fight off common ailments, such as the cold. Stress affects older adults in a similar way.

When we're young, we recover from illnesses quickly because our immune system is working at top speed all the time. We're able to manage stress better when our immune systems are not compromised. But as we age, our immune system gets run down and is easily overwhelmed. When our bodies are busy fighting illnesses and diseases, stress can be extremely hard to manage.

Stress can appear in numerous ways. As a caregiver, you might be the first person to notice the signs of stress in your loved one. According to the Institute of Aging, the most common signs of stress to look for are:

• Changes in eating habits, changes in mood, including greater irritability, anxiety, sadness, indifference, or even unusual elation or overactivity
• Difficulties with short-term memory
• Difficulties with concentration
• Unusual patterns of judgment
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Less attention to personal hygiene, grooming, and self-care
• Tension headaches
• More aches and pains in general
• Frequent sickness
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Difficulties sleeping
• Low energy and fatigue

This is by no means an exhaustive list of signs. Stress affects everyone in different ways. If you think your loved one may be showing signs of stress, make sure to talk to their doctor. Signs of stress can just as easily be symptoms of other undiagnosed illnesses or diseases.

Stress happens. Everyone gets stressed and shows some of the symptoms we listed earlier. Chronic stress, however, is long-lasting and can be very dangerous for older adults. According to Yale Medicine, chronic stress is a consistent sense of feeling pressured and overwhelmed over a long period of time. The American Psychological Association says chronic stress can be the cause of issues like anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. If not properly taken care of, chronic stress can also lead to heart disease, depression, obesity, and other major illnesses.

There are many things that cause stress in older adults. Existing health issues are a major contributor to chronic stress. It may seem like an endless cycle at times, as stress may make the illness worse, and the illness also causes them to stress more. Losing friends and loved ones and worrying about losing friends and loved ones in the future causes most everyone, not just older adults, stress.

Financial responsibilities, everyday tasks and chores, adjusting to needing a caregiver, the loss of something constant, like a career, that has recently ended are some of the main sources of stress that many older adults are facing today.

For older adults with caregivers, the caregivers, family, and friends are going to be the first to notice the signs of stress in a senior.

They could be having problems with their short-term memory. You may ask them what show they watched the day before and they can't recall, even if it's something they watch regularly. You might notice they aren't eating as much as normal, or they're eating more than they usually do. Whatever signs they may be showing of stress, it's the people they're around the most that will likely notice first.

Now that you've recognized the signs of chronic stress in your loved one, the next step is to talk to the senior about their stress levels. Oftentimes, they know that they are stressed, but they don't know how to manage it on their own. Sometimes, talking about whatever is causing them stress is enough. They may be grieving the loss of a partner and being able to talk about it with either yourself, a friend, or even a counselor, will help their stress subside.

Exercise and diet is a great way to manage stress. If the senior is able to walk around safely, going on a nature walk, or even a walk around the house, can greatly help the situation. Yoga and other forms of meditation are also great for combating stress.

It's also important to find ways to manage your own stress as a caregiver. Chronic stress can have lasting negative effects on your health. Learning to reduce and manage stress when we are young can result in fewer health problems when we're older.

Helping an older adult identify their stressors is another important step to helping them reduce and manage their stress. Just being able to identify what is triggering their stress may help solve most of their issues. Once they understand what their stressors are, you can work on a plan together to reduce their overall stress.

If you are unsure how to help your loved one with their chronic stress, that's okay. Consult a physician or mental health professional. They can help determine what is causing your loved one's stress and the best course of action to take. They will also be able to help you make a long-term stress management plan specifically tailored to the older adult.

Minimizing stress in older adults can potentially minimize other health problems. If you notice your loved one exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms we have mentioned, discuss it with the older adult, and if necessary, their doctor. Stress has many harmful symptoms that can make life difficult and uncomfortable for your loved one. Managing their stress quickly will result in a better quality of life, for them and for you.

We want to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July and say thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be asking the question What is the Difference Between Live-In Care and 24-Hour Care. This is an issue that comes up quite often when families are exploring options of care for their loved ones – and surprisingly they are not the same thing.

Sources:

https://blog.ioaging.org/medical-concerns/signs-stress-seniors-recognize-stress-early-generate-resiliency/

https://www.stress.org/how-stress-affects-seniors-and-how-to-manage-it

https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder#:~:text=%E2%80%A2A%20consistent%20sense%20of,changes%2C%20medications%2C%20setting%20realistic%20goals

https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/chronic

https://www.health.harvard.edu/stress/stress-relief-tips-for-older-adults

We are honored to have had the privilege to welcome Barbara Tien the Co-Founder of PONGA to All Home Care Matters.

Ponga is a fast, easy, and fun way to organize your pictures and explore the stories. Your stories come to life with words, voice, video, and other media. Your stories are personal, engaging, and accessible. With Ponga, you circulate them privately—free of the prying eyes of social media!

Barbara also helped to establish a Family Council (one of the first of its kind in her community) for families who have loved ones in facilities to help create accountability and to create a voice for the residents/patients and their families.

Today, we have the distinct honor and privilege to welcome Dr. Lisa Taylor and Dr. Kristen Dillon. If you are familiar with their other name, The Golden GeroPsych Girls then you are in for a very informative and in-depth interview and discussion on the field of Geropsychology and how it is helping seniors and their families.

We are including both the bios of the doctors and how to connect with them on Instagram for more information.

Kristen Dillon, PsyD, ABPP, is a staff geropsychologist in Hospice & Palliative Care and on one of the Community Living Centers. Her research and clinical interests include anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, caregiving, bereavement, existential concerns, and older adults with serious mental illness. She is also interested in the impact of death and dying on Veterans and families, including family dynamics and PTSD. She was trained in Meaning Centered Psychotherapy through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and utilizes this intervention regularly with Veterans and families. She is board certified in Geropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology.  In her spare time, Dr. Dillon enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, singing, playing the guitar and being around people who make her laugh. She also enjoys hiking and is currently attempting to hike NH’s 48 mountains over 4000 feet. 

Lisa Taylor, PsyD is a clinical psychologist in Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC), and the Community Living Centers (CLC) which includes three Dementia Care Units (DCU) and a Geriatric Psychiatric Unit (GPU). Her clinical interests include Geropsychology, behavioral health, working on interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing evidence-based treatments including STAR-VA. In her free time, Dr. Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, her adorable rescue dog, Emma, and visiting the beach, and local eateries.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters and again say thank you to our guests the Golden GeroPsych Girls for taking time from their busy schedules to speak with us today about the benefits of Geropsychology. All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be welcoming Barbara Tien the Co-Founder of Ponga.  

To Connect with Dr. Taylor and Dr. Dillon on Instagram:

@goldengeropsychgirls

As dementia progresses, the care required becomes more complex and demanding. As a dementia caregiver, you might find yourself in more and more difficult situations, which you don’t necessarily feel ready or equipped to handle. These can be anything from hallucinations to mood swings to struggling to help your loved one to eat or move around.

Caring for a dementia patient certainly comes with its own unique set of challenges. Because dementia is a progressive disease, the type of care needed progresses with it, making for many unpredictable days and consistent learning and re-learning. Strategies of care that might have been affective in the early stages can stop working altogether. You’ll find yourself getting more creative, and possibly more desperate, as time goes on.

We understand that the middle and late stages of dementia require a lot from a caregiver – and that you might feel stuck in a never-ending learning curve. This care is intensive and around-the-clock. It demands a lot from us, and you might not always be sure that you’re handling everything right or might be at a loss of how to handle some situations altogether.

First of all, I want you to appreciate yourself for all that you’re already doing. No one goes into dementia caregiving with a step-by-step pamphlet to help them through every situation. You learn as you go, and this requires a ton of trial and error, infinite patience, and perseverance.

As long as you are acting in love and doing your best, you are not doing anything wrong (even when it feels like you might be). Still, I know that a little guidance and wisdom can help you to feel more supported, confident, and prepared. It never hurts to get some help, right?

On today’s episode of All Home Care Matters, we’re going to discuss ways to handle the most difficult situations with a dementia patient. These strategies can help to make tough situations a little bit easier, and to calm things down faster and more efficiently when necessary. These are proven strategies that have helped caregivers to better understand what their loved one is going through – so they can know how to handle it.

If your loved one is in the middle stages of dementia, you’ll notice drastic shifts in their behavior and function. Your loved one might be struggling more than ever to communicate or gather their thoughts. They might struggle to eat, dress, or do other activities of daily living.

Remember that while this is a huge transition for you, it’s an even bigger transition for your loved one. Life as they knew it no longer makes sense. They can no longer perform tasks that they used to do with ease. Even thinking has become a struggle.

Because of this, you’ll notice that your loved one’s mood and behaviors have changed. They might become more irritable, frustrated, or downright angry. They could refuse to eat, bathe, or get dressed. They could refuse any help whatsoever. They are trying to make sense of a warped reality and accept losing their independence – this is far from easy and is bound to lead to mood changes.

Of course, these mood changes do not make life easier for the caregiver. Your responsibility is increasing and at the same time, your loved one is making it harder for you to do your job. You may find yourself losing patience pretty easily, and possibly even snapping or crying in the middle of the day.

As the disease progresses, it’s more important than ever to find time for yourself, also. Listen to our episode on Caring for the Caregiver to learn more about destressing and self-care advice.

Now, when your loved one is struggling to communicate, you might struggle to know how to handle it. Maybe they aren’t responding to you anymore, so you don’t know how they feel about a certain situation, or maybe they try to speak to you, and you have trouble following their train of thought. What should you do?

You can assist with communication by speaking in a direct, gentle tone, and making eye contact. Use body language to further emphasize what you are saying. This can help your loved one to understand what you are saying, at least on some level.

At the same time, make sure to give your loved one time to respond – even if it’s a long time. It might take your loved one quite a while to put her thoughts together, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t trying. Don’t interrupt her when she does begin to speak and listen patiently while she gets the words out.

Make sure that when you communicate, it’s in a place with minimal background noise or distraction. Offer reassurance when your loved one is struggling – this can encourage them to keep going.

Don’t overdo the questions. Only ask one question at a time, and make sure the questions are yes or no. For example, instead of saying “do you want to wear the green shirt or the blue shirt?” ask, “do you want to wear the blue shirt?”

One of the biggest communications struggles a person might have at this time comes with your loved one’s lack of a filter. You might notice that as time goes on and the dementia progresses, your loved one is becoming increasingly brash with their words. They might say hurtful or embarrassing things, in public or in private.

The general rule is to let it be. If your loved one says something that you disagree with, don’t argue with them. Just move on to something else. I know this is easier said than done, but when you argue, you risk exacerbating the situation. This might lead to a full-on meltdown that is far more difficult to manage.

If your loved one says something inappropriate or offensive in public, deter from the situation. Bring your loved one’s attention to something else as quickly – and as calmly – as possible. For instance, if you’re at a coffee shop, you can have your loved one pick from the pastry situation.

If you’re at the grocery store, you can ask them if they would like a certain type of produce. It doesn’t matter what you say, just quickly and calmly change the subject. The best thing you can do in these situations is turn your loved one’s attention onto another subject matter.

If your loved one is experiencing a hallucination, you want to approach this in much the same way. You may feel tempted to shut down the hallucination, but this can actually lead to increased confusion and a worsened mood – and the hallucination can become more severe.

Instead of shutting it down, validate it, make it positive, then change the subject. For example, if your loved one says that there’s a stranger in the home, tell them “yes, that’s a nice stranger. He’s a friend. Do you want spaghetti for dinner?”

Again, bringing their attention somewhere else is usually enough to end the hallucination altogether. The last thing you want to do during a hallucination is deny it or make a huge deal out of it, because this can lead to a severe mood swing that can be almost impossible to manage or calm.

In general in any mood-heavy situation with a dementia patient, you don’t want to be rational or logical. While it might be tempting to calmly explain a reality to a person who is hallucinating or speaking out of term, this will not be affective with a dementia patient.

You see, dementia patients cannot think rationally at all. They don’t understand that what they’re saying is inappropriate, and they don’t understand that what they’re hallucinating is not real. If you try to change the way they perceive the world and themselves, they will only get sad and frustrated. That’s why validation, followed by distraction, is really the best method for these types of situations.

Along similar lines, if your loved one forgets that their parent is deceased, or that they’re divorced, or any other major life event – there is no need to remind them. Reminding them of their loss or heartbreak will recreate unnecessary pain and heartache. If your loved one is happily carrying on about visiting with their deceased mother later, instead of shutting this down, ask questions. Have your loved one describe the person they lost. This can calm them down.

Now, some families struggle with knowing what to do when their loved one asks to go home, if they are living in a nursing home or other facility. Rather than telling them that they won’t be returning home, redirect the conversation. Ask your loved one to tell you what they remember about home, or to describe home. This distracts from the situation while helping your loved one to engage in happy memories.

If your loved one wanders away or gets themselves in a dangerous situation, refrain from telling them never to do it again. This simply will not be affective. People in the mid and late stages of the disease will not remember to do it again, so it’s not worth telling them not to.

Instead, take action to prevent it happening in the future. Make sure the doors are locked. Get an automatic tea kettle that won’t light on fire if it’s left on. Listen to our episode on home safety tips to learn more about how you can prevent dangerous situations from happening.

One of the most difficult situation caregivers face with dementia patients is aggression. This aggression can sometimes become violent. Even though it is incredibly hard to do, it is important that caregivers handle these situations in a calm and patient matter. Responding to anger with anger will only make it worse.

Instead of responding with anger, try to understand the cause of the anger. Has your loved one recently switched medication? Have they eaten today? Could it be sundown syndrome? If you know the cause, you might able to step in and make a change.

Secondly, respond to your loved one with empathy, patience, and support. Try to distract them from their anger by introducing another activity or conversation. It might help to take your loved one into another room. Sometimes a change in surroundings is enough to change a train of thought, and combat anger.

If nothing else works, you can simply give your loved one space until they calm down. Make sure that they are safe and keep watch over them, but don’t involve yourself any further. They will calm down eventually – even if it’s in the form of falling asleep from exhaustion.

Many dementia patients lose the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Because of this, they may become increasingly paranoid, and make huge statements that are completely false (like my daughter doesn’t love me, or my son is out to get me).

These delusions are difficult to witness. When they happen, it’s important to remember that it’s the disease speaking, not your loved one. You must separate the behavior from the person, or you will suffer.

Don’t tell your parent that they’re wrong, argue with them, or try to disprove what they are saying. This will only cause greater distress and agony for everyone involved. Again, you can deflect from the situation and turn your loved one’s attention somewhere else. Otherwise, you can step out and give your loved one space until they forget about it.

Difficult dementia behaviors can be overwhelming for caregivers to handle – but if you approach everything with a sense of calm and patience (even if you have to fake it), you’ll find that these situations are a little bit more manageable.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be welcome two very special guest, Dr. Lisa Taylor and Dr. Kristen Dillon. They are Geropsychologists who specialize in serving the senior population as well as the families of seniors. This is an interview you won’t want to miss if you are caring for a senior loved one.

Sources:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/middle-stage

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/late-stage

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors/

https://www.caregiver.org/resource/ten-real-life-strategies-dementia-caregiving/

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/dementia-behaviors

https://www.alzheimers.net/1-6-15-new-approaches-difficult-behaviors

If you have an elderly loved one, chances are you’ve spent a lot of energy worrying about falls and their safety. And you should be. According to the National Council on Aging, one out of four Americans over the age of 65 experiences a fall every single year. Not only that, but falls are a leading cause of death among the elderly in America.

As our loved one’s age, there is so much for us to keep track of: medications, diets, health care. Falls should be high on this list as well. Falls can result in devastating consequences for many seniors and their families. Common fall-related injuries include broken bones, fractures, and head injuries. We need to do what we can to help prevent our loved ones from falling.

In today’s quick tip episode of All Home Care Matters, we’ll go over all you need to know about falls. We’ll talk about the most common causes of falls, how to prevent falls, and how to know if your loved one has fallen and is hiding it from you. We hope that by the end of this episode, you will feel confident in protecting the senior in your life from experiencing a fall.

There are many reasons that seniors experience falls at a higher rate than other parts of the population. A senior might fall due to problems with vision, or a decline in physical strength, or even a chronic disease, among other causes.

Seniors are more likely to have impaired vision, which can make it difficult to notice hazards, even if they’re in great health otherwise. If a senior cannot see well, they might not notice a wet floor, a stair, or a crack in the sidewalk. This can lead to an increased chance of falling down.

As seniors age, many face declines in their physical strength. It becomes more straining to exercise or engage in physical activity, so many older adults choose not to (or to exercise far less frequently). This results in weakening muscle strength, loss of balance, and reduced coordination. Simply put, it’s easier to fall down when your body is much weaker than it used to be.

Chronic diseases like arthritis, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease can also increase the likelihood of falling. Seniors will have a harder time keeping their balance, gripping onto railings or canes, and they will be all-around weaker. Further, it will be more difficult for a person with a chronic disease to respond to a fall or recover from one.

Believe it or not, medications are another common cause for falling in seniors. Common medication side-effects are dizziness, low blood pressure, and drowsiness – all of which can increase the likelihood of falling.

Other common causes are surgical procedures that leave a person’s body weaker or less mobile than they were before, environmental hazards like loose carpet or wet shower floors, and behavioral hazards like lifting heavy items or hiking on rough terrain.

These are just some of the causes of falling – but in reality, any of these and more can cause a person to suffer a fall. That’s why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to prevent a fall before it happens.

The best thing you can do to help prevent falls is to make your loved one’s home a safe place for them to be. Remove any tripping hazards like loose rugs, exposed wires, or loose floorboards.

Remove furniture that might be blocking a walkway, to ensure that there’s plenty of space to move around. You can also clean up clutter that is blocking pathways or making it harder to be mobile. This might include stacked newspapers, laundry piles, or even loose shoes. Be sure that walkways and staircases are free of clutter.

Make sure to install grab bars and handrails around the house – especially by the stairs and in the bathroom. A grab bar by the toilet can help a person sit up and down without falling down. A handrail in the shower and tub can do the same. Have a handyman install the bars to ensure that they are assembled safely.

Similarly, you can add nonslip mats to the kitchen and bathroom floors, as well as to the porches outside. This will protect your loved one from slipping and falling on wet ground.

Believe it or not, the way your loved one dresses can also help to prevent falls. Have your loved one wear shoes, even in the house, for extra traction. Make sure that they never walk on wood or tile floors in only socks. Have them avoid wearing any loose or too-long clothing that they might trip over.

In addition to environmental prevention, you can also prevent falls through physical prevention. If your loved one’s vision is impaired, make sure that they wear glasses so they can see better. Even if their vision is fine, make sure that they get it tested at least twice a year to make sure. If they are struggling with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease, a wheelchair might be safer than relying on their two feet to carry them around.

You can also make sure that your loved one is getting plenty of sleep and exercise. The stronger and more alert they are, the less likely they are to take a fall.

In addition, you can have them limit alcohol and drink more water to prevent feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. Alcohol can actually affect a person’s balance and reflexes, so it should be avoided altogether.

It’s important to note that many seniors do not tell anyone after they’ve experienced a fall. This means that a senior could live with an injury for a while without anyone even knowing – and that injury can get much worse.

There are many reasons a senior won’t share this information. They might be embarrassed, or afraid that they will lose some of their independence. Many seniors worry that they will be forced to move to a facility or won’t get to live on their own anymore. If a senior has dementia or a cognitive issue, they might have forgotten the fall altogether.

Regardless of the reason, it’s important to understand that you won’t always be told if a fall occurs. That’s why you need to be able to identify the signs of a fall – so you can step in and make sure your loved one gets the care they need.

When you see your loved one, always check for a sign of a fall. It might not be extremely obvious, so it’s important to be vigilant in your examination (without letting your loved one know that you are on the lookout).

Look for bruises and swelling – particularly on the hands or arms. Your loved one may have tried to brace themselves for the fall and bruised or injured their hands and arms. Similarly, if your loved one has a black eye or a bump on their head, this is a sign of a fall.

If your loved one is experiencing sudden cognitive difficulties – like a lack of awareness, taking longer to do things, or a struggle with comprehension – this could be a sign of a brain injury from a fall. Take your loved one to the hospital immediately.

There are also less obvious signs. If you notice that something is missing from the house, like a lamp or another object, this might mean your loved one has fallen. It’s possible that they tried to grab onto a lamp on the way down and broken it in the process.

If you notice any changes in your loved one and think they may have taken a fall, don’t wait to take them to the doctor. Injuries like sprains, concussions, or even brain bleeds can be subtle at first and lead to devastating consequences.

When we put in the steps to prevent falls, we can have a little more peace of mind that our loved one is safe and secure. Of course, there’s no 100% guaranteed way to prevent a fall, which is why it’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms of a fall-related injury. The more prepared you are, the better equipped you’ll be to help your loved one when necessary.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will discussing Dealing with Difficult Behaviors in Dementia. 

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/future-planning/prevent-falls-at-home.aspx

https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/care-options/elderly-fall-prevention-spotting-the-warning-signs-risk-factors/453

https://blog.ioaging.org/home-care/secret-senior-falls-what-you-and-your-parent-caregiver-need-to-know/

https://advocateformomanddad.com/senior-falls-and-tbi/

The month of June is cataract awareness month, so this week on All Home Care Matters, we will be discussing all things cataracts. First, we're going to talk a little about what cataracts are and how you get them, and then we'll move on to what you can do to prevent them. Then, we'll see how to help your loved one manage their cataracts and protect their vision. Now you know what we'll be discussing this episode, let's jump right in.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision and is mostly related to age. According to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic, for your eye to see, light passes through a clear lens behind the colored part of your eye, or the iris. The lens focuses the light so that your brain and eye can work together to process information into a picture. When a cataract clouds over the lens, your eye is unable to focus light in the same way.

By the age of 80, more than 50 percent of all Americans have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. According to Icon Eyecare, to make sure cataracts don't affect your vision, it's important to get regular eye exams - especially if you're over the age of 55.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. In a report by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, researchers predicted that from 2014 to 2032, the number of cataract cases will increase by 50 percent. Within the next decade, the United States will be faced with one of the biggest healthcare crisis’s it has ever had to deal with, and no one seems to be talking about it yet.

The aging population in the United States will reach an all-time high in 2030, when the Baby Boomer Generation will all be 65 or older. With old age, cataracts and other vision problems worsen. Age is the biggest factor in cataracts, but it isn't the only thing that can cause them. There are four other types of cataracts, secondary cataracts, traumatic cataracts, congenital cataracts, and radiation cataracts. Secondary cataracts can form after an eye surgery or develop due to other health problems, like diabetes.

Traumatic cataracts happen after an eye injury. They can happen immediately or even years after the initial injury. Congenital cataracts appear at birth or in childhood and tend to be so small that they do not affect vision. Radiation cataracts can develop after some forms of radiation. All of these types of cataracts can hinder vision and make day-to-day activities difficult. Older adults, as well as everyone else, should see their eye doctor regularly to keep their vision working properly.

The National Eye Institute lists some of the noticeable symptoms of cataracts as: having cloudy or blurry vision, colors looking faded, you are unable to see well at night, lamps, sunlight, or headlights all appear to be too bright, you see a halo around lights, you have to change your glasses prescription often, or you are seeing double of things. Seeing double sometimes goes away as the cataract gets bigger.

Now, this list is somewhat lengthy, but it is in no way exhaustive, and these are not exclusive symptoms of cataracts. All of these symptoms can also indicate a number of other eye problems or diseases. Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s eye doctor if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Early treatment of any eye disease may just end up saving your loved one’s vision.

Cataracts are a common occurrence, and it is very likely that either you or someone you know has a cataract right now. If you think you might be experiencing cataract symptoms or are just wondering what it’s actually like living with cataracts, Jim Mathie a former fire chief in Deerfield Beach Florida, speaks about life with cataracts and the difference he noticed as soon as he got them removed at Rand Eye Institute.

“Wow, what a big difference,” Mathie says about his cataract surgery. He goes on to say that the difference is like night and day and he just hadn’t realized how bad his vision had been before. He had his surgery on a Thursday and it was so easy he doesn’t even remember it. The next day, he went back for an exam and he could see everything. He had so much clarity and was suddenly noticing how vivid all the colors were. He had been getting his yearly eye exams and knew that he had a cataract in one eye. At first, it was manageable, but after five years, he knew it was time to do something about it. He was avoiding driving at night because he assumed it would be an issue. But, what really made him decide to get the surgery was that he was no longer able to enjoy his favorite hobby, diving.

Mathie dove three to four times a week and had started to notice that he was unable distinguish things like fish and lobsters in murkier waters when they were right in front of him. Before his cataract, he had no issues seeing in murky water. He knew it was time to fix his vision, and today he is enjoying his passion, scuba diving, and loving his cataract free life. If you, like Jim Mathie, have noticed your vision deteriorating, or noticed your loved one’s vision deteriorating, talk to your eye doctor and see if cataract surgery will work for you.

There are some things we can do while we are younger to prevent cataracts, but cataracts due to aging are not preventable. Cataracts due to age can be fixed or at the very least, the symptoms can be managed, with the help of your doctor. Cataracts caused by other health issues may be prevented by using protection from the sun, such as hats and sunglasses, and eating leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy diet will help with many health problems, and not just with cataracts, but I'm sure you already knew that.

If you smoke, quitting smoking will also significantly reduce your chances of getting cataracts. If you are ready to quit smoking, you can call the American Lung Association's Help Line at 1-800-LUNG-USA, that's 1-800 586-4872 today for free help with quitting. You should also talk to your doctor about quitting. They can help you create a plan and track your progress. They can also prescribe medication to help if you need it.

Getting your eyes dilated can also help prevent cataracts. Adults 60 and older should get their eyes dilated at least once every two years. Eye doctors can check for cataracts and monitor existing cataracts while dilating your eyes.

According to aging care dot com, age-related cataracts affect older adults' vision in a few different ways. Clumps of protein build-up reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina. The clumps of protein can also cloud the lens and reduce the light that reaches the retina. Over time, the protein can tint the clear lens, turning it a yellow or brownish color, adding a brownish tint to their vision.

Approximately one in five older adults have cataracts. Cataracts are not contagious. If you have a cataract in one eye, you may not develop a cataract in your other eye and you cannot spread them to other people, either.

Depending on the severity of the cataracts, seniors may only need new glasses or a magnifying lens to see better or use brighter lighter at home. Anti-glare sunglasses can help seniors see better while outside or in the car. If none of these options help, surgery is a safe and effective treatment for cataracts.

According to Comfort Keepers, cataract surgery is widely regarded as one of the safest medical procedures. It has a success rate between 95 and 98 percent. For this procedure, the patient usually only needs minimal sedation, which is safer for older adults. Seniors with other health issues are often unable to receive surgeries due to their health conditions but are still able to receive cataract surgeries because of how safe and fast they are. While the risk of complications is low for cataract surgery, it is still important to talk to your doctor about the risks involved.

Cataracts are removed one eye at a time. The senior will have to have the surgery performed on one eye and then wait three to four weeks for the other eye. During this waiting period between surgeries and during the four weeks following the second surgery, senior should try not to rub their eyes or lift heavy objects. They should also continue wearing sunglasses and hats to protect their eyes from the sun.

Once a cataract has been removed, it will not come back. A secondary cataract can form in the same eye, but it is not the original cataract coming back. The secondary cataract can be corrected with a Y A G laser capsulotomy, which is quick and painless.

It is very likely that your loved one has cataracts. They may not even notice any symptoms. If they are experiencing any vision discomfort or other problems, schedule an eye appointment to see if they have any undiagnosed eye conditions. Their doctor can help you make the best course of action for their vision.

Cataracts can make daily activities difficult at first, especially when you are first adjusting to blurry vision. You may notice your loved one being slightly unsteady on their feet or unsure of their movements while they are adjusting to their new stage of vision. They are at a higher risk of a fall during this time, so make sure to remove any obstacles that could hinder their movements and result in a fall.

Your loved one may also need help doing household tasks, like cooking and cleaning, while dealing with cataracts. They may be unable to read a recipe to make their meals and their blurred vision also makes cleaning up messes difficult. Helping your loved one cook meals and clean up around the house, at least until they have either adjusted to their blurred vision or are able to get the cataracts removed, will be extremely helpful to them.

If your loved one has a cataract and you are interested in ways to maintain it without surgery, have them try some eye exercises. Family Vision Development Center says that certain eye exercises can help to strengthen your eyes and ease eye strain. And, while strengthening your eye muscles cannot actually cure cataracts, it can help to slow the progression.

They recommend gently rolling your eyes in a clockwise circle a few times, then reverse to a counterclockwise motion. You can also try moving your eyes from side to side, or in the shape of a figure 8. You can also try changing focus, by focusing on a finger held a few inches from your face, then shifting to an object farther away, then back again.

Learning to live with cataracts can take some time and adjustment. If your loved one is still driving, remind them to be extra cautious and try not to drive at night, as the glare from streetlights can provide hazardous driving conditions for someone with cataracts.

Are you worried about your parent or aging loved one driving, with or without cataracts? You are not alone. In another episode of this podcast, Is Your Loved One Safe Driving, we talked about aging loved ones and what to do when you think they are no longer safe behind the wheel. Please listen to the episode and check out the show notes for resources on safe transportation options and other related driving topics.

Prevent Blindness, the number one volunteer eye health and safety organization, offers free information on cataracts. Their organization has created the Cataract Awareness Month campaign and is very knowledgeable when it comes to cataracts and other causes of vision loss. You can call them at 1-800-331-2020 or visit them on the web at preventblindness.org. Their goal is to eliminate preventable blindness in the United States.

If you or your loved one, or someone you know, is experiencing cataracts and do not have the financial means to fix them, Prevent Blindness may be able to help. Check them out today or send their information to someone in need.

If you are interested in learning about other eye conditions that could be affecting your loved one, listen to our episode on Understanding Glaucoma and visit our website for more information.

Of the five types of cataracts, age-related cataracts are the most common cataracts to be seen, and they disproportionately affect the older population. Losing your vision is frightening and causes your loved one to worry. It is important to let them know that you are there for them during this time and help them perform their daily tasks safely. Make sure your loved one visits their eye doctor regularly so that any vision problems can be caught and fixed before they become a real problem.

Luckily, cataracts can be fixed in a fast and safe procedure, restoring your loved one's sight in a matter of weeks. If they are unable to have the cataracts removed, there are still a few options that can help them see better, like using brighter lights and magnifying glasses. For more information on understanding cataracts in seniors, check out the resources on the show notes for this episode.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be sharing Fall Prevention Tips to help keep your loved ones safe.

Sources:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/what-is-a-cataract-age-related-eye-diseases-108282.htm

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts#:~:text=Cataracts%20are%20very%20common%20as,%2C%20hazy%2C%20or%20less%20colorful.

https://iconeyecare.com/eye-care-blog/10-cataract-facts-cataract-awareness-month/#:~:text=June%20is%20National%20Cataract%20Awareness,virtually%20pain%2Dfree%20surgical%20procedure.

https://www.comfortkeepers.com/info-center/category/senior-health-and-wellbeing/article/the-myths-and-facts-of-cataracts-what-seniors-shou

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts

https://preventblindness.org/cataract-awareness-month-2020/

https://preventblindness.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Future_of_Vision_final_0.pdf

https://www.businessinsider.com/aging-population-healthcare

https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit

https://preventblindness.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CataractRelease2020.pdf

https://www.fvdcpc.com/2021/02/26/simple-strategies-living-with-cataracts/

https://www.bettervision.net/cataracts/5-tips-for-living-with-cataracts/

https://www.randeye.com/after-cataract-surgery-jims-interview-hd/

With the summer months coming and the temperatures starting to rise, seniors and the elderly need to protect themselves from the heat. The warm weather can help improve many seniors' daily outlook on life as the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder go dormant. If you think your loved one may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, check out our episode on SAD, Are You Sad? for more information on what SAD is, how it affects seniors, and ways you can help your loved one overcome it.

The long summer months are something most of us look forward to throughout the winter. It is important for seniors to take the necessary precautions when spending time outside in the heat and in the sun. Seniors without air-conditioning are at the highest risk of extreme heat. Without being able to cool off inside, they can easily overheat and suffer from a number of heat-related illnesses and even death. If you know a senior that doesn’t have air-conditioning, and can’t afford one, the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps adults 65 and older who have limited incomes cover the cost of air conditioners and utility bills. You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 1-866-674-6327 for more information on this program.

One of the ways our bodies regulate temperature is through sweating. However, adults 65 and older don’t sweat nearly as much as younger adults do and are unable to regulate their body temperature through this way, which is why the heat is more dangerous for older adults. From 1999-2009, 40 percent of heat-related deaths occurred in seniors. We hope today’s episode can help lower that number in the future. Heat-related illnesses are preventable if you know the facts ahead of time.

What can seniors do to protect themselves from the heat? Stay cool and stay hydrated. Seniors need to drink plenty of water to combat extreme heat. Older adults shouldn’t wait until they’re thirsty to drink water. If you have medication that requires you to drink less water, talk to your doctor to find out how much water they recommend you drink daily. If you need to cool down quickly, take a cool shower or bath. If you are having trouble overheating and are still feeling the effects of the heat an hour after finding a cool place to rest, please call your doctor.

Older adults should wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing that isn’t restrictive when outside. Wearing long sleeves and hats can also prevent painful sunburns. Try to limit outdoor and strenuous activities to early morning and or evening when the sun doesn’t pose as much risk and it is cooler out. Make sure seniors are getting plenty of rest during warm weather, too. The heat makes us tired and it’s important to listen to what our bodies need. As the caregiver, you may be the one to notice when your loved one needs to rest or needs to hydrate if they are unable to recognize it for themselves. You also want to make sure to never leave an older adult in a shut-off vehicle without the windows down, even if you’re just running into the post office to drop off an envelope. The effects of the heat can happen fast and if your loved one has any chronic medical conditions, it can quickly become deadly.

Dr. Michael Fitch, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center says “If you have an older relative or neighbor, it’s important to keep in frequent touch with them during times of hot weather. Keeping in mind that someone may not even be aware of feeling hot or thirsty, it is very important for others to check on the health and well-being of loved ones and friends.”

Now that you know the dangers of extreme heat, we’re going to move on to the three major heat-related syndromes and what you can do to protect your loved one and prevent heat-related sickness. The first, heat cramps, is a condition that involves muscle spasms and pain. It typically occurs during or after strenuous activities, but it commonly occurs in older adults due to dehydration. Making sure the senior is drinking plenty of water is the most important thing you can do to prevent dehydration. If they have trouble drinking water, try giving them foods with high water content, like watermelon, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cucumbers, and celery. If they become dehydrated and are unable to properly hydrate themselves, they may need IV fluids.

Heat exhaustion is the second heat syndrome. The National Institute on Aging states that heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You may sweat a lot. Your body temperature may stay normal, but your skin may feel cold and clammy. Some people with heat exhaustion have a rapid pulse.

If you notice your loved one experiencing heat exhaustion, get them to a cool place immediately and try to hydrate them. If they have high blood pressure or heart problems, call 911 as soon as possible. Also, call 911 if they don’t recover quickly after getting them in a cool area and water. If not taken care of, heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.

Heatstroke can occur anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after being exposed to extreme heat. Heatstroke happens when the body heats up faster than it can cool off. The National Institute on Aging lists the signs of heatstroke as fainting or becoming unconscious, a change in behavior, such as confusion, agitation, staggering, being grouchy, or acting strangely, a temperature over 104°F (40°C), dry, flushed skin and a strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse, and not sweating even if it is hot. Seek medical help immediately if you think your loved one is experiencing heatstroke.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but as long as you take the right precautions and recognize when your body has had enough, it is easy to prevent any ill effects of heat. We hope that having the tips and information to help avoid potential heat strokes, dehydration, and other health risks can be helpful to you and your loved one and can help seniors and the elderly to enjoy summer and the warmer weather safely.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone is who could benefit from this episode and please make sure to share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. Join us next time on All Home Care Matters where we will be discussing Understanding Cataracts.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html

https://www.wakehealth.edu/Stories/Tips-to-Keep-the-Elderly-Safe-in-Extreme-Heat

https://www.wakehealth.edu/Stories/How-to-Stay-Cool-When-Its-Hot

https://www.wakehealth.edu/Stories/Heat-Safety-Tips

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults#:~:text=Heat%20Stroke%E2%80%94A%20Medical%20Emergency,-If%20you%20have&text=People%20who%20become%20dehydrated%20or,being%20grouchy%2C%20or%20acting%20strangely

https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-hot-weather-safety-tips-older-adults

https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/elderly-and-heat-dangerous-combination

https://www.dripdrop.com/blog/heat/seniors-and-heat-illness-why-the-elderly-are-more-affected-by-the-heat

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250#:~:text=Heat%20exhaustion%20is%20a%20condition,heatstroke%20being%20the%20most%20severe.

All Home Care Matters is honored to have the privilege to welcome Craig Fowler to the show. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's then this interview will be full of in-depth information on an exciting platform that Craig has developed to help families and their loved ones with dementia stay stimulated and engaged.

Craig Fowler is the founder and CEO of Joygage, an engagement on-demand subscription service designed and developed to improve the quality of life of persons living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and provide respite for their care partners.

He was guided and inspired by his caregiving journey supporting his father who was the primary caregiver for his mother who lived with early onset dementia for more than ten years. He created Joygage to serve the Alzheimer's and dementia community by creating a service that focuses on improving quality of life, daily happiness, and dignity of persons living with Alzheimer's and dementia instead of trying to "cure" or “fix” them.

Aside from Joygage, he's also currently serving as a board member of the Dementia Action Alliance. 

Connect with Joygage:

[email protected]

https://www.joygage.com/

Today we’re talking about caregiver burnout and the tools to prevent it. We will be focusing on the family, and more specifically, the family members who have stepped up, or in some cases, been thrust into the role of caring for a family member, expectedly or not.

Either way, they are now caring for a family member, and this can add a whole new layer of responsibility, stress, financial sacrifice, personal sacrifice, and emotion into their lives that nothing can really prepare them for. The Tools to Prevent Caregiver Burnout is designed to help equip them with just that - the tools to avoid becoming burned out.

We’ve covered topics before to help family caregivers out and if you are facing specific issues or are wanting to learn more about caregiver resources, tips, and information make sure to visit our show page or our website to find more information and remember if you have specific topic that you would like to see covered here at All Home Care Matters you can reach the show using our secure form and someone will respond.

Let’s get started.

First, what is caregiver burnout? According to the Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can occur when caregivers don't get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically or financially.

Caregiving is a worthwhile and rewarding experience, but if you are not taking care of yourself while you take care of others, it is not sustainable. In order to do what is best for your loved ones, you have to do what is best for yourself first. A large number of family caregivers, nearly 85 percent, do not receive any sort of respite care. Many caregivers don’t seek respite care due to cost and not knowing who to turn to.

Friends and family members make great resources for respite care. They may be able to step in and sit with your loved one while you run a few errands or do something fun for yourself. Adult Day Care programs are great for caregivers with full-time jobs, and they often include medical and therapeutic help, as well.

Caregiver burnout can lead to unwanted health problems, such as depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and even elder abuse or neglect. It’s important to prevent caregiver burnout not only for yourself, but for those you are caring for, as well. Severe caregiver burnout can be hard to overcome, which is why we want to give you the tools to prevent caregiver burnout before it even happens.

It’s important to note that there are two sides of the caregiver relationship. The care receiver is going through many lifestyle changes, as well during this time. They may become upset with you and might be angry that they can no longer do things for themselves anymore but try to not let this bring you down. Now, I know how hard this is, but if you can put aside the hurtful things your loved one may say or do and try to remember that they love you, it will make caregiving so much easier.

And, if you’re having any difficulties or feelings of sadness, seek out professional help. A therapist can be immensely helpful during this time, and, when your time as a caregiver ultimately comes to an end, they can help with the grieving process, too.

Communicating with family and friends about your situation can also be a problem that leads to caregiver burnout. Using a platform, like CaringBridge, to post updates on your loved one’s situation can relieve some of the pressure of having to keep up with communications. You might also delegate communications about your situation to another family member or friend so that you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.

The most important thing you can do to prevent caregiver burnout is to give yourself a break, no matter how small. Getting away, for a weekend or an hour, can help you come back refreshed and ready to continue caring for your loved one.

If you know someone that has recently become a caregiver, share today’s episode with them so that they can start preventing burnout before it even happens. Having the tools and support you need can make caregiving a little more easier.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

Remember, you can listen to the show on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms and watch the show on our YouTube channel and make sure to hit that subscribe button, so you'll never miss an episode. We look forward to seeing you next time on All Home Care Matters where we will welcome a very special guest, Craig Fowler. Craig is the found and CEO of Joygage a wonderful resource and tool for families who have loved ones with Dementia.

Sources:

https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-avoiding-caregiver-burnout

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout#:~:text=Caregiver%20burnout%20is%20a%20state,and%20using%20respite%20care%20services.

https://aginginplace.org/caregiver-burnout/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/adult-day-care-services.htm

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2019/caregiver-stress-burnout.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/community_health/johns-hopkins-bayview/services/called_to_care/causes_symptoms_caregiver_burnout.html

When it comes to choosing the best care for your loved ones as they age, there’s a lot to consider. We want to make sure that your loved one is safe, cared for, and happy. But how do we know what type of care to choose?

From assisted living to nursing homes to home care and everything in between, there are a lot of options – and they each have their own pros and cons.

For many families, the answer is simple: they want their loved one to stay at home. That simple answer becomes more complicated when they consider how they might accomplish this. If mom or dad is at home, who will care for them? Will a family member have to step in, or can they hire someone to help? Is the house safe for an aging senior? Will they be able to socialize, or will it be too lonely at home?

If your loved one wants to stay at home, but has no family available to care for them, then this may seem like it’s not an option. That’s where home care comes in.

Home care is customized to an individual’s specific needs, likes, and routines which make it an ideal choice for many families and for their loved ones. This is the ideal option for seniors who need or want to stay home but don’t have family to care for them.

However, if a loved one requires medical care that will require an RN or LPN then the family will need to speak with their loved ones physician about Home Health Care.

Even if seniors do have a family member who can step in, home care can be an excellent form of respite care and delegating some of the other tasks that the family member is responsible for.

One family member should not have to be responsible for 100% of the work that goes into caring for a loved one. That’s why home care is a wonderful option for all seniors staying at home. The home care provider can provide full personal care, memory care, companionship, respite, and anything in-between. The needs of everyone is unique to them and with home care it will be customized to them.

On today’s episode of All Home Care Matters, we’ll let you in on 10 things you might not know about home care. We hope that by the end of this episode, you have a better idea of what to expect from home care and can decide whether this is the best option for you and your loved one.

To learn more about the other types of care, check out our episode on choosing the right type of care for your loved one. There, you’ll find information regarding nursing homes, assisted living, family caregiving, and more.

Now, let’s get started.

Number One: Home Care is becoming one of the most popular forms of long-term care. According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, the demand for home care services have been growing each year and it’s expected to continue to rise.

More and more people are realizing the importance of aging in place. Research has shown that there are enormous benefits for seniors on a physical and emotional level, which we’ll dive into deeper below.

Number Two: Seniors get to stay in their comfort zone. For many seniors, aging at home is just more comfortable. They don’t have to go through the stress of a move – or give up any of their favorite possessions and pieces of furniture. They get to stay in the home they love, without a roommate, and without adhering to the limiting rules and regulations of most nursing and assisted living homes.

When it comes to hiring home care services, they can rest assured that their beloved home will be properly cared for and tended to, so they won’t ever need to worry about plants dying or grime building up. They can be comfortable in the place they love. It really is that simple.

Number three: Seniors can choose their own caregiver. When a senior decides to age in place with home care, they are able to choose a caregiver that fits their personality and that they can bond with. When meeting with the Home Care company the Case Manager will typically develop a plan of care and help identify a caregiver who will best match with the person that they will be caring for to ensure the best fit.

However, if requested the senior and their family can interview multiple caregivers until they find that perfect match. In facilities, seniors do not usually have a say in who cares for them, and they might have to deal with a rotating staff of faces and names – which can make forming a bond nearly impossible.

Families and seniors alike want to know that they can trust their caregivers. This is an incredibly important relationship – not only is a caregiver responsible for the safety and health of your loved one, but we want them to form a friendship, too. When families get to choose their own caregiver, they can make sure they can choose someone who is dedicated to keeping their loved one happy and fulfilled and they will have the support of the Case Manager as well who will help make sure that their needs are being met and that the caregiver is the right fit.

And, because they’re at home, they can take your loved one on walks through the neighborhood or play their favorite board games from the living room shelf.  The options for activities are far less limited.

Number Four: You can hire skilled nurses to care for your loved one at home. Not everyone realizes that they can request home health care. Skilled nurses are available to work with your loved ones at home as their health needs increase. Whether you need 24 hour care or someone to come in once a day, you can find that in home care. Just remember that most Home Care companies do not employ nurses or provide skilled nursing care and you may need to look outside of the home care provider if your loved one is unable to utilize Home Health Care and requires a nurse.

Just make sure that the nurses are certified, skilled, and knowledgeable of the skilled need that your loved one has.

In a facility, your loved one’s health can get lost in the shuffle. One aide might be responsible for 14 patients. At home, your loved one’s caregiver or aide is only responsible for one person and that’s your loved one. That means it’s far less likely for anything to slip through the cracks.

Number Five: Your loved one can be released from the hospital faster. Yep, you heard that right. Anyone with an aging loved one knows that a hospital stay can go on and on and on for seniors. Before they can be released back to their assisted living home or nursing home, they might have to meet with therapists, caregivers, social workers, and nurses.

If your loved one is staying at home, though, then all these meetings can happen at home. That means that they won’t have to spend all those extra hours or even days in the hospital – which is a huge plus for both the senior and their family members.

Number Six: Your loved one can be much more independent. With home care, your loved one is cared for by one caregiver, instead of an entire staff. They are not obligated to follow rules and restrictions. They are free to move around their home as they please. They can be as independent as they want to be, for as long as they can be.

If your loved one wants to go out for the day – to a social event or another activity – they have the freedom to do so, and the help and support to make it happen safely. Instead of needing permission from a staff to leave their room, they can ask their caregiver to take them anywhere they’d like to go.

This means they won’t miss dinner parties or outings with friends unless they want to. So, not only are they more independent, but they can also keep their social life alive.

Independence is a big one. One of the biggest worries we hear from seniors considering nursing homes or assisted living facilities is that they will lose their independence. With home care, this just doesn’t need to be a worry. Your loved one can relax knowing that they can continue living their normal life, for as long as possible, with home care.

Number Seven: They have unlimited access to friends and family. At hospitals or in facilities, the number of guests a person has might be limited. At home, your loved one can visit with as many people as they want to, whenever they feel up to it.

They will never have to pick and choose which friend or family member to visit with, and their loved ones won’t have to go through any forms or desk services to visit. They can simply pull up the driveway and head inside.

This also means that if your loved one is used to hosting Thanksgiving or other holidays, they can continue to do so. Their caregiver can make sure the house is clean and ready to go for any guests, and the family members can arrive to make the feast. Your loved one will be so happy to not have to sacrifice special holiday traditions that they love.

Number Eight: With Home Care the caregivers can help with errands. Some families think that even if they have home care, they will still be up to their necks in grocery shopping or running other errands for their loved ones.

This is actually not true! With home care, all of your loved one’s errands will be taken care of. You won’t have to worry about making sure your loved one’s pantry is stocked with their favorite healthy meals and snacks. Plus, if your loved one is up for it, they can join on the errands and get out of the house for a few hours.

Number Nine: There are two types of home care agencies. Not every home care agency offers health care – but non-medical home care companies are still an excellent choice for many families and can provide assistance for all of their ADL’s and help them to continue living safely and independently in their home.

The two types are medical and non-medical. Medical agencies provide skilled services like nursing, occupational therapy, and social work. This is the better choice for seniors who need specialized health care but want to stay at home, but will be limited on the amount of visits, time, and tasks that they can assist with. Many medical home health care agencies accept Medicaid and other insurances.

Non-medical home care has home health aides, certified nursing assistants, homemakers, companions, nurse aids, Case Managers. These types of caregivers are able to help with daily living activities, tracking health, running errands, memory care, personal care and hygiene, laundry, meal prep, and housekeeping and Case Managers to oversee them and to insure that your loved ones needs are being met.

Non-medical care is a great choice for seniors who want companionship and care that goes beyond medical assistance (for instance, someone to participate in activities and conversation with them, and who will be personally dedicated to their emotional wellbeing). It’s also great for families who need respite care from family caregiving, or have a loved one needs care day-to-day or may just a few days a week to help with anything from memory care to full personal care and everything in between.

Non-medical care is not usually covered by insurance, and the cost can vary widely depending on the state. Still, lower income seniors might be able to qualify for financial assistance through Medicaid or non-profit organizations. Veterans can get assistance through the Veteran-Directed Care Program or if the care needed is the result of an auto accident the auto insurance can help provide payment for the care or another option is if the person has a long-term care insurance policy to help with the coverage.

Number 10: Home Care helps delay memory loss. When seniors with dementia or other cognitive problems age in place, they can actually delay the decline in their memory.

This is largely because staying in familiar surroundings helps with memory recall. In a new environment, there are little sentimental or familiar surroundings for seniors to latch onto.

When you decide that Home Care is the best option for your loved one, you can keep your loved one at home, where they might have a better chance of keeping their memory alive longer. The caregivers can help your loved one with activities meant to engage their memory, that will be individualized for your loved one’s interests and personal life. This can make an enormous difference.

It’s not easy to choose the best type of care for your loved one – especially when there are so many options available. If your loved one wants to stay at home, but you want to make sure they’re being cared for by professionals on a regular basis, then home care is the answer for you.

We want to thank you for joining us here at All Home Care Matters, All Home Care Matters is here for you and to help families as they navigate long-term care issues. Please visit us at allhomecarematters.com there is a private secure fillable form there where you can give us feedback, show ideas, or if you have questions. Every form is read and responded to. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

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Sources:

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https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/non-medical-care/financial-assistance#:~:text=Non%2Dmedical%20care%20is%20best,individuals%20without%20formal%20medical%20training.&text=Providing%20non%2Dmedical%20care%20generally,of%20daily%20living%20(IADLs)