For senior caregivers, particularly those caring for family members, it can be hard to know when a senior ailment is a more natural part of the aging process or when it’s something more serious. Caregivers often operate under two extremes; some worry about every little thing while others believe they’re overreacting. The best rule of thumb is always to consult a medical professional, but here are some common ailments deciphered for senior caregivers to help make informed decisions about the care of their loved ones:

1. Symptoms from medical side effects – side effects that develop from medications should be discussed with a doctor. Some side effects might be normal; others might be a result of mixed medications. All concerns should be addressed with a medical professional

2. Awareness of self-medication – when caregivers see signs that a senior is self-medicating, it should be addressed. Even using over-the-counter medications combined with multiple prescriptions can cause complications

3. Understanding anxiety and depression – unmanaged depression can lead to more serious health complications. Caregivers should recognize the signs and encourage their loved ones to receive treatment

4. Changes in mobility – although physical changes can occur with seniors, changes in mobility do need to be addressed. First, a doctor can investigate any underlying medical problems; and second, changes to a senior’s home can be made to make it a safer environment

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Only one in three caregivers admits to being comfortable talking to their loved one about incontinence. It’s an uncomfortable issue for both the seniors and caregivers involved. However, in order to ensure that seniors receive quality care, caregivers need to extend the olive branch and try to talk about the subject.

1. Ease into the issues gently – caregivers need to ensure when talking about incontinence, that they appear concerned. They can’t make it into a personal issue or make the senior feel embarrassed

2. Understand if it’s appropriate for you to bring up the topic – depending upon your relationship with your senior care recipient, you might want to bring up the topic, or have a friend or medical professional break the ice

3. Try to anticipate how they might react – if you’re bringing up the topic yourself, or even if you’ve talked to a doctor about approaching the subject of incontinence, try to anticipate how the senior might react. Will he/she be embarrassed? Combative? Accepting? This can help you to manage the situation better

4. Empathize – let them know that you care, and while you can’t understand exactly what they’re dealing with, make sure they know you hate that they’re going through it and are there for them

5. Know when to back off – particularly when approaching such a touchy subject, don’t push too hard about your beliefs; know when to back off

6. Talk to a doctor – encourage the senior to seek medical attention to determine the source of the incontinence and appropriate treatment. Caregivers can provide in-depth details to medical professionals if seniors are uncomfortable talking about it

Via: Caring.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

While the senior care industry is already preparing and bracing itself for an increase in numbers of the senior demographic, a new study shows that there might be even more to worry about. According to this study, upcoming generations of seniors might face a greater number of disabilities than previous generations which could compromise their mobility; creating a greater need for senior home care services and medical care services. With proactive planning, the senior care industry and other related services can brace themselves, and respond to a greater need in the industries before it’s even presented itself!

1. Caregivers can arm themselves with knowledge – with this study already circulating, professional caregivers and families with other generations alike can take this opportunity to become more knowledgeable. Professional caregivers can increase their knowledge about dealing with disabled seniors on a large scale, and families can take a long hard look at their prospective care options should this issue become a reality for their family

2. Organizations can improve personal mobility devices – new technology that can assist in the senior care industry is constantly becoming available on the market, but if  there is a greater need that’s upcoming, there’s room for further development and preparation

3. Studies can focus on preventative measures – increased numbers of disabled seniors, particularly if the boomer demographic is affected, could put a strain on the health care system. With this knowledge, health care professionals care work proactively to try and find preventative medicine or establish techniques that may reduce the likelihood that the number of disabled seniors will increase

Via: MedicalNewsToday

Image source: sxc.hu

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

You never know when you’ll find yourself in need of a snack or a meal to pick you up and revive your energy.  Ignoring your body’s signs that you need to eat can put your health in jeopardy, so make sure that you’re always prepared with healthy foods that you can eat on the go!

1. Fruits – fruits are easy to pop into a bag or purse to take with you wherever you go. Try an apple, orange, or banana; these don’t bruise as easily and are easily transportable without mess. You can also take mixed berries in a small Tupperware container.

2. Dried fruits and vegetables – dried items really can go anywhere with you, and they offer the same nutritional benefits as the fresh variety. Take raisins, cranberries, banana chips, vegetable chips or other dried produce items

3. Take trail mix – trail mix is designed for snacking on the go; you can either purchase one ready-mixed that is low in sodium and sugary content or make your own with mixed nuts, dried fruit, cereal, and even dark chocolate chips

4. Enjoy fresh vegetables – slice up some raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, mixed peppers and other vegetables that won’t begin to turn brown right after they’re sliced

5. Carry crackers – make some crackers (whole grain) with peanut butter or cheese for added protein, that will give you needed energy restoration during the day

6. Take a thermos – using an insulated thermos will allow you to take soup, or cold drinks out with you

If you have any other healthy emergency snack ideas, please share them with us!

Via: Associated Content

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Since a great deal of communication takes place online these days, through email, instant messenger and social media, caregivers who lead busy lives have already discovered more efficient methods to communicate. But, if their typing speed is slow, they’re wasting precious moments with these forms of communication; time that could be spent doing something else! To improve your typing skills and regain some time in your day, try these tips for learning how to type properly and type faster:

1. Choose a comfortable keyboard – a comfortable keyboard that is well laid out for your hands is crucial to learning to type well and type quickly. If you have a laptop, using a laptop keyboard is okay if you’re spending no more than a couple of hours a day typing, but any longer and it can do damage to your hands

2. Get in position – make sure you’re seated comfortably when you sit down to type. The keyboard should be at the right position for your hands, and you should sit up straight. Proper positioning of your body will reduce errors and therefore decrease the time it takes you to type

3. Learn hand positioning- if you’ve never been taught proper keyboard position, now’s a great time to start. Learning finger positioning will help improve your typing speed vastly when you no longer need to look at the keys or type with just a couple of fingers at a time. Software programs and online tutorials can help you learn!

4. Practice – once you’ve mastered the above, you need to practice to improve your speed, but eventually you’ll find you could cut hours off your day!

Via: WikiHow

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Heart of a CAREGiver
Heartofacaregiver.com was developed by Home Instead Senior Care to raise industry awareness of the growing need for CAREGivers across the healthcare industry.  A majority of families will experience a CAREGiving opportunity at least once with aging parents or spouses and children with disabilities.  A crisis in health or accident will leave even the most cohesive family at a sudden loss as the dynamic and roles change.  Respite care is a valuable and underutilized service available in nearly every community.  After families go through crisis, often years after a loved one has passed, family caregivers often reminisce about their experiences with a new perspective and desire to give back to others in their communities. 

Take a moment and watch this video about the joys that CAREGiving can bring to your life.