Leslie Newlife

3 Tips for Hiring a Senior Caregiver

It can be hard for some children to accept when their parents get older. Suddenly, the roles are reversed. Children must take care of their parents instead of the other way around. Yet, there are options out there for children who are overwhelmed. If your aging parent needs more help than you can give at this time, consider hiring a senior caregiver. This article will overview three tips for hiring a senior caregiver. If you follow this advice, your parent will surely have the best help out there.

Hire Through a Trusted Company or Agency

When hiring a caregiver for a parent, it’s important to remember you aren’t on this journey alone. There are tons of amazing agencies out there that’ll help people find caregivers for seniors. Please, do your research and only work with an agency that has good reviews from past clients. Meet with higher-up officials within the agency to get a feel for what they value most. Also, inquire about their hiring process. Make sure that the company performs background checks and random drug testing on every employee they hire, like the tests offered in drug testing Lorain Ohio. Ensure that you understand how employers handle the drug testing process and what steps are involved. That way, you can get a grasp on how rigorously these caregivers are vetted and you can be confident in the person you choose to hire. Again, hiring a caregiver for your loved one can be a challenging task. Make sure you’re working with trusted professionals throughout the process. New LifeStyles lists all state licensed home care providers nationwide, providing a good place to start.

Make Sure the Caregiver Is a Good Fit

An important tip for hiring a senior caregiver is to make sure the two people mesh well together. The caregiver and the person who needs care will be spending a lot of time together. As the person hiring them, you must ensure the two get along. Perhaps do a trial run. Give it a week or so to see if the two get along. Make sure everything’s going smoothly before you hire them permanently. Also, make sure the prospective caregiver knows about any health issues or illnesses, so they know how to best care for the person.

Be Communicative with Both Parties

One of the best things you can do if you’re hiring a caregiver for a senior is to communicate with both people involved. First, make sure the prospective caregiver engages with your parent or the senior they’re taking care of. Ensure that they’ll really take an interest in your parent and let them know what your parent likes and doesn’t like. Please, don’t just have the caregiver walk into things blindly. Also, talk with your parent about what’s going on. Don’t leave them in the dark about the situation. Tell them why you’re hiring a caregiver and let them ask any questions they want. The more open everyone is with one another, the smoother the transition will be.

How to Improve Care in Your Senior Care Home

When someone transitions to a nursing home, or any other senior community, they and their family entrust future care to that staff. After so long living autonomously, this is a significant change for an individual. When they make this change, they are often in a vulnerable state, which means that they need those involved in assisted living support to be consistent and caring. Following are three tips that will help give residents a high quality of life.

Simplify Communication

It’s not uncommon for emergencies to occur in a care home, or similar environment. Your facility must establish emergency protocols and ensure staff can communicate easily with one another. One way to do this is by using a simple communication system. A two-way radio network is a particularly streamlined option. Some two-way radio distributors, apart from just the quick push to talk features, can even educate your team on how to use features that check in on your staff when they work alone, plus many other helpful features, like emergency buttons and more.

Promote Residents’ Activity

When many people summon an image of a senior home into their mind, they think of seniors lounging around a lobby or hallways and either dozing, playing a card game, or watching television. This is not good for anyone! Instead of one or 2 set activities each day, consider implementing sustained programming throughout the day that combines many different facets of life. For those who enjoy games, help organize board and card games with stretch breaks between games. This helps residents keep their brains & bodies fresh. If you have residents who enjoy watching television, structure in a time for people to come together and watch something together, and then discuss it.  This allows for good social engagement. Squeeze in different kinds of exercise sessions too, like using commercial time for chair aerobics. Consistent but flexible programming prevents boredom and improves care.

Improve Oversight

To maintain accountability, make sure you offer a consistent staff oversight procedure. Communicate with your team about what you expect from them and how you will assess them, and then begin said oversight. Make sure expectations are clear, including unannounced checks on the quality of care. Be as systematic as possible to objectively measure care quality yourself, before anyone else does.

These three tips can help your senior care home thrive, even in uncertain times.

Supporting Your Family As A Senior

As a senior, a common unsettling emotion at this age is the frustration that comes along with feeling inadequate, or as though you aren’t able to help your family in the same ways as earlier in life. Although it may be true that you might not have the ability to do exactly everything you used to, you should find peace knowing there are still wonderful ways that you can show care and appreciation for their loved ones, regardless of your age. Here are a few ways that loving your family doesn’t have to stop as the years pass.

Tell old stories

Although growing old has a few minor drawbacks, there is so much beauty and wisdom that comes from a mature life. These beautiful factors of aging can help highlight this point in your life as a time to support and impact your family in ways you never imagined. . One of the great things about being elderly is the vast number of memories and experiences you have made and gone through in your lifetime. From living through different time periods or collecting photographs and memorabilia along the way, you can pass traditions, wisdom, and valuable advice down to younger generations.

Especially if you have grandchildren, take time to sit down with them and passing along information or telling stories of your past. Inform them about their relatives they never got the chance to meet as explaining their heritage and family history is a great way to strengthen your family bond. As keepers of your family’s stories, you can support traditions and values for years to come by investing time sharing your knowledge and wisdom. You can use photo albums and family heirlooms to guide your stories and spark conversation among your family members as a way to connect them.

Plan for the future

At this point in life, you have most likely put your working days behind you. But one way to continue to financially support and protect your family is to re-evaluate your life insurance plan. If you have children or grandchildren who are still financially dependent on you, it’s important that you have a suitable life insurance policy that will guarantee stability to continue to support their quality of life after you are gone. Supporting your family in this way is a great reason to maintain your plan—especially if you have a whole life plan, where money can sometimes be borrowed against the policy while still keeping the insurance in tack to help pay for living assistance needs. If you have not already invested in a policy, take some time to research your options as plans are typically more expensive the older an individual is.

If you don’t require life insurance because you have no outstanding debts or dependents but are still looking for options to support your family, you can consider final expense insurance as an option. While it may not be something you wish to think about, setting this up will ensure your medical bills and funeral expenses will be taken care of before the end of your life. This will rid you of any uncertainties about your affairs and wishes while also providing you comfort that you will not create a financial burden to be left behind on others.

Select adequate housing

Something to consider as you decide on your living situation is the proper level of care that is needed to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate assistance while still maintaining necessary boundaries and independence. Remember that just as much as you wish to support the other members of your family, they have the same desire to make sure that you’re safe as well. Worrying for an older parent can cause stress, which is why spending time discussing your options and keeping them involved in the process can ease many concerns from both sides.

By making smart and researched decisions, you will be supporting your loved ones by offering them peace of mind, protection, and future financial security.

Tips for Planning a Group Outing for Seniors

Group outings can be troublesome enough—but arranging these events can be particularly stressful for seniors and their caregivers. Not only do you need to account for everyone’s health, but you also need to remember that each person has physical limitations. Still, this isn’t an excuse to give up—seniors need the opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves, too. So, if you’re a caregiver looking to give your loved one a wonderful day out with their friends, utilize these tips for planning a group outing for seniors.

Get to Know the Participants

In order to ensure that everyone has a great time, it’s crucial that you take the time to get to know each of the group members before you plan. This will ensure that you keep everyone’s interests in mind as you’re choosing the activity and that you’re aware of any limitations individuals have. Reaching out in this way can also give the seniors the opportunity to get involved with the planning themselves. For instance, they may give you ideas you haven’t thought of yet or give you insight into other activities they’d find fun.

Pick Realistic Activities

It’s also crucial that you pick activities that won’t put too much strain on your group members. At the same time, you don’t want to be patronizing by choosing senior-exclusive activities. So, make sure you take some time to research the hobbies of your participants and which ones would make for the most fun events.

Plan with Special Needs in Mind

In addition to the activities, you also need to account for other factors of the trip such as transportation, food, supplies, and whether any participants are on time-sensitive medications. The importance of transportation is particularly noteworthy for seniors as it helps them maintain their independence along with keeping them active and involved. So, make sure you acquire the proper vehicles to accommodate them for the outing’s entire duration.

We all look forward to special outings, so do your preparation ahead of time to make your next senior outing a success for everyone!

How Alexa Can Enhance the Life of a Senior

Most of us are now used to having a personal assistant in our home that works with just the sound of our voice. But not everyone. For some elderly who have a difficult time using a keyboard, smartphone or tablet, this type of device can be a useful addition to the home. If you are not familiar, one in particular goes by the name of Alexa. Alexa is a digital assistant that is built into various Amazon devices, most notably the Amazon Echo, Dot and Tap.

Understanding Alexa and What She Does

Inside of the devices that holds Alexa is a speaker that can be heard from various points of your home. There are a few microphones in each device that will pick up your voice from any direction without the need to be extremely loud. Initially, these Amazon devices must be set up with a WIFI Internet connection and through an app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. The devices must also be plugged into an outlet in order to work. Once the initial setup is complete, however, Alexa is completely accessible by voice commands. Seniors will not have to use the app or computer unless they need to add a new feature or skill, or to update the app itself.

Using Alexa for Entertainment

The Amazon devices can be synchronized with a number of audio book accounts which allows the user to stream books from their library directly to the speaker. “Alexa, read my book,” will reopen whatever book that was last read and Alexa will start reading where you left off. Users can also access books from their personal Kindle to be read aloud to them.
Amazon is also continuously updating the app with various “Skills” which users must “enable” from a smartphone, tablet or computer. At this time, there are literally hundreds of Skills to choose from. Again, once set-up, any Skill is managed solely by voice-activation. These Skills include reading passages from the bible, telling jokes, reading fun facts, and reciting poetry, just to name a few!

Using Alexa in the Kitchen

Alexa is a very useful personal assistant when it comes to cooking. Fiddling with a cookbook or web page on the computer isn’t always easy for the elderly, but Alexa bypasses the need to do this altogether. Simply call out, “Alexa, give me a recipe for chicken” and she will respond in kind. You can ask her to list the ingredients and cooking instructions for various recipes, give conversions for measurements and set a timer for when something is in the oven or on the stove.

Alexa Works with Smart Appliances

Once configured, users are able to control certain appliances in their homes with a voice command. This feature does require the user to purchase specific appliance switches that work with the device. The Phillips Hue is a personal wireless lighting system that works with Alexa. It allows users to turn their smart lights on or off or to turn on their ceiling fan with voice commands, as two examples. Avi-on is another skill that allows you to interact with compatible devices just by voice as well, such as turning on the coffee pot or dimming the bedroom lights.

Alexa Can Send Messages for You

You can now call or message friends and family that also have the Alexa app on their devices. To communicate, both parties will need to set up the app in order for the devices to communicate with one another. Contacts must be set up correctly in order for Alexa to call or message that person. After set-up is complete, simply say, “Alexa, make a call” and she will call the person you name. “Alexa, send a message” will send a message to the contact you name, as well. You can even play messages that are left on your device just by asking Alexa to play them for you.

These are just a few of the many things Alexa can do for you. We have Alexa set-up to wake-up Dad & remind him to take his medication. Alexa is an extremely useful tool for seniors who are still independent in their homes. Alexa makes life a lot more easier and a lot more fun!

Ways Seniors Can Meet New Friends

Sometimes, as we age, it becomes more difficult to connect with others as we retire from work and our family moves to distant areas. However, maintaining a sense of community is important for a healthy lifestyle and mindset. If you don’t find yourself interacting much with others in your daily routine, it’s time to make a change. Here are some ways seniors can meet new friends.

Take a Class

Taking a class in any subject that you find enjoyable can allow you to not only learn more about it, but it can also provide an opportunity for you to meet others who share the same interest. You can visit your local senior center or community college to enroll in classes and keep your mind sharp as you absorb new information and gain new skills. At the same time, you can talk with others in the class and potentially meet up with them after it’s over to continue growing in the activities you did there.

Volunteer

Often, you gain a lot by giving, and volunteering is no exception. Look up volunteer openings in your area where you can serve those in need, take up an important job, or help keep the neighborhood clean and beautiful. More than just being something to do, you’ll improve the lives of those around you. As you get more involved, you might consider joining an organization as a regular volunteer where you’ll also build relationships with others serving with you.

Play Sports

You may need to avoid high-impact games, but that doesn’t mean sports are entirely out of the question. Sports and activities such as badminton, tennis, swimming, and golf can all help you to stay physically healthy while also allowing you to connect with others. You can often find clubs whose members convene frequently to play and compete against each other. For example, you could join a golf league where you can improve your skills while also chatting with other members between strokes.

Consider a Senior Community

What about moving to a senior community where you are surrounded by other like minded individuals? Most communities have social clubs, outings and activities to keep you active and social. Some even focus on a particular hobby, like art, continuing education, and more.

Are You Suffering From a Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones play a significant role in the human body, so much so that a small imbalance can result in a host of side effects that leave you feeling off. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is a hormonal imbalance or something else? Here are some symptoms to look out for, though it’s important to note that a followup with your doctor and blood work is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. 

Types of Hormones

There are several types of hormones in a person’s body, most of which are present in both men and women. Insulin, adrenaline and growth hormones are the main types. Insulin is produced by the pancreas as a means of regulating blood sugar, preventing it from getting too low or high. When this hormone is imbalanced, it can lead to a host of problems, including diabetes. 

When you think of adrenaline, you probably think of the feeling that you get during a fight-or-flight scenario. The truth is, it’s always present in the adrenal glands where it’s produced, then released into the bloodstream in times of stress. Overproduction of the hormone is more common than underproduction and can result in high blood pressure, palpitations, weight loss and excessive sweating. 

Manufactured by the pituitary gland, growth hormones are responsible for the body’s growth, particularly in children, where they help increase height. In adults, growth hormones are responsible for maintaining one’s body structure and regulating metabolism. 

Steroids are another type of hormone that occur naturally within the human body. They make use of proteins and help build up muscle tissue. Cortisol steroids are perhaps the most common and are produced by the adrenal gland, much like adrenaline. Others, including estrogen, androgen and progestagen are sex steroids and primarily function to support reproduction efforts and create gender differences.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?

There are a number of events that can result in hormonal imbalances. Some, such as Type 1 diabetes, puberty and menopause, are out of a person’s control, while others occur as a result of lifestyle decisions such as poor diet. 

There are more causes of hormonal imbalances in women — both natural and as a result of outside factors — than men. For many, simply undergoing hormone therapy is enough to restore balance. This can include Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT. Hormone therapy can be administered in several forms including nasal sprays, capsules, creams and patches. 

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances in Women

A hormonal imbalance in women can present in different ways, and not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some women experience hot flashes, weight gain or even thinning hair. Others have increased hair growth on the chest, neck, face or back, or suffer from indigestion and constipation. The most common type of hormonal imbalance in women is a result of estrogen production, either too much or too little, which is largely affected throughout the stages of menopause. 

For those brought on by lifestyle decisions, some of the symptoms may be reduced or eliminated altogether with weight loss, eating healthy and taking hormone supplements recommended by the best hormone doctor in Scottsdale or physician. 

Some studies even suggest that specific foods may help with alleviating symptoms brought on by menopause, like hot flashes — it certainly can’t hurt to try. However, for persistent signs, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor. 

Hormonal Imbalances in Men

Men are not exempt from hormonal imbalances, and many may stem from testosterone production. Naturally occurring causes include puberty and aging. Medical conditions associated with hormonal imbalances may include hypogonadism, or low testosterone, and prostate cancer. 

Like women, osteoporosis is one symptom. Other common issues include reduced sex drive, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and reduced hair growth on the body. 

Treating Imbalances

There are two ways to treat imbalance symptoms: with medicine or natural remedies. There are different types of medications and therapies that doctors can prescribe. Seniors especially prone to osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass due to aging may benefit from prolonged hormone therapy according to studies. 

Natural remedies include eating healthy, taking supplements such as ginseng, red clover or evening primrose, along with implementing healthy habits like managing stress, avoiding sugary or pre-packaged foods, exercising regularly and maintaining healthy body weight. 

Hormonal imbalances affect millions of people, including up to 47% of women. Knowing the signs can help you pinpoint symptoms and determine whether it’s time to speak to a doctor. Look for a hormone specialist Maryland here.

Your Retirement: Restore Your Existing Home or Move to a Senior Community

You’re approaching your retirement age and now you face the decision of remaining in your existing home or moving to a senior community. Both are appealing options but may not be right for every circumstance. Here are a few pros and cons of each choice to help you decide. 

Mortgage-Free 

If your home is mortgage-free, you can live pretty well in your existing residence with only homeowner’s insurance and property taxes to pay out annually. On the other hand, moving, even with the sale of your existing home, may still make you liable for a small payment monthly. 

Repairs 

While you may not have a mortgage on your existing home, you will need to make repairs and do basic maintenance as required on an older home. Some items you will want to consider for long-term benefits that make a lasting impact would be roof replacement or foundation repair.  Along with all of the normal maintenance of lawn care, and up-keep. With a new home, you can expect a different type of investment, like decorating with window blinds and shades and maybe some new furniture.

Annual Expenses 

Depending on what state you live in, your property taxes can run into the tens of thousands annually. They can be just like having a second mortgage. And, in retirement, you’re basically living off your savings. Paying these high costs annually may be something that’s no longer affordable. In addition, some older homes have drafts and poor insulation that can cause higher than normal heating and cooling bills. 

Bring in Extra Cash 

Not everyone has substantial savings or a retirement account to live on during their golden years. If you need extra money to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, selling your home may prove beneficial. 

Down-Sizing 

Taking care of a large older home is a labor of love, but the maintenance and chore list can pretty much consume your day. Down-sizing and buying a smaller home, condo, or even moving to a retirement community will reduce the amount of work on your “honey-do” list. This frees up your time for more fun things like travel and pursuing hobbies. 

Will Your Home Sell 

If your home is in need of many updates, selling it may yield a return that’s far less than you anticipated. The cost of making the necessary changes can cost you a lot of your tucked away savings. Carefully weigh the cost of repairs vs. the return you might get when you sell. Typically you do not recoup your investment in your home dollar-for-dollar at sale time.

Single Level 

As you grow older darting up and down the stairs as you did when you were younger can cause you discomfort. Selling your large multilevel house and replacing it with a single level home or apartment will eliminate the need for climbing the stairs repeatedly. 

Familiar/New

There’s something comforting about living in the same home for many years. You raised children and had many social gatherings over the years. It’s also a place that your children love to stay when they come to visit you during the holidays. A new house doesn’t have any past history, however, you can create new memories in your retirement. 

Amenities for You 

A retirement community caters to older adults. Many communities have various amenities such as a weight room, swimming pool, clubhouse and a host of activities that can vary throughout the week. There’s activities, a beauty parlor, wellness centers and spas. Be sure to research each one carefully before selecting your favorite. Remaining in your home, you would have to drive to different locations in order to enjoy these same types of amenities. 

People Your Age 

When you move into a retirement community after you retire, you’re surrounded by people of a similar age. This means that you grew up in the same era, listening to the same music and basically lived a similar lifestyle. This sense of community is often lost when living in a single-family home in a neighborhood where you may be the oldest residents.

There are pros and cons to both selling your home or remaining in it through retirement. Weigh them carefully to see which one works best for you. 

5 Things to Consider with a Hearing Test

Despite how important hearing tests are, they’re not particularly integrated into our lives. If you were headed in for a hearing test, you might not know what the process has in store. That’s why we’ve made a shortlist of five things to keep in mind during a hearing test.

  1. The process of a hearing test

The average hearing test takes about 10 minutes – a pretty quick ordeal for such an important procedure. It will usually start like any other doctor’s appointment, with the hearing specialist asking you a couple of questions.

Afterwards, they’ll take you into the examination room, and you’ll undergo a few procedures. These can vary based on your answers to the specialist’s questions, as well as the resources they have on hand.

 

  1. Are there different kinds of hearing tests?

The most common procedures are an audiogram (listening to noises and responding), an otoscopy (peering into the ear with a concentrated flashlight), and a tympanometry (a probe being inserted into the ear canal).

A tympanometry is the most intrusive of these procedures, and even then, it won’t hurt or feel as bad as it sounds. Depending on the course of the appointment, you may have to go through any combination of these, but like we said, it will never take too much time out of your day.

  1. How much do they cost?

Maybe this is the real reason you or your loved one haven’t considered a hearing test. You might be noticing hearing loss, but you can still hear almost everything, so why spend the money on a hearing test?

Well, this is because hearing loss can be a precursor to (or a symptom of) a larger issue. Even if it isn’t, if left untreated, hearing loss can lead to some serious physical and mental health concerns.

A hearing test can cost up to $250 dollars without insurance. If you have insurance, then hearing tests are usually covered, but it’s always worth checking with your provider.

  1. Are they different for the elderly?

When testing the hearing of the elderly, the process is largely the same as what we listed above. However, in patients with cognitive impairments – like dementia – they may need to be re-instructed on the rules of the test.

If they’re having a lot of difficulty, the audiologist may change the response needed to one that engages the patient more. This could be getting them to raise their hand or saying “yes” out loud when they hear the sound being played in the headphones. This may make the test a bit more hands-on than regular tests, but the mechanics are the same.

  1. Are online hearing tests a good substitute?

While looking around, you may have found a multitude of online hearing tests and thought “why would I go in to get a hearing test when I can just get one online?”

Well, that’s a fair thought, since it could save you the trip, but is it really a fitting substitute for an in-person hearing test? Well, no, not really. It can serve as an adequate check to see if your stereoscopy (hearing the same volume in both ears) is at a good level.

In reality, it’s not even close to a real hearing test. Real-life hearing tests are standardized, and don’t rely on your headphone or computer quality to gauge your hearing level. Nothing beats the real thing!

3 Tips for New Home Caregivers

Becoming a caregiver is often a sudden reality for children. They’re tasked with stepping up and meeting their parents’ needs when their health starts to deteriorate. If you find yourself in this position and don’t know how to take on your new role, read through these tips for new home caregivers.

Keep a Daily Journal

To cut down on the overwhelming nature of daily life, keep a journal of what they do every day. A notebook or online record proves beneficial as you compile all their medication information, exercise logs, doctor’s appointment notes, and more. Particularly when your parents’ memory isn’t strong, a journal is a helpful tool for concretely recording what they’ve done so you can check later.

Be Thoughtful of Senior-Specific Hazards

Memory-Loss Complications

One very important tip for new caregivers is to keep in mind little-known hazards that seniors encounter. For example, if your mother or father usually cooks for themselves but their memory is going, it’s more likely they will accidentally leave on a stove-top burner or other appliances. You can check them afterward or install automatic shut-off mechanisms to prevent a fire or other issues.

Technological Complications

Another aspect you should think about is their technology use. In a technologically connected world, it’s easier than ever to deceive an elderly person over the phone or internet into giving away money or information. Keep tabs on their device use and be active about blocking phone numbers that seem like scams. Also, electromagnetic interference poses its own dangers. Be aware that EMI from cell phones and other electrical devices sometimes disrupts seniors’ sensitive and necessary medical equipment, such as their pacemakers.

Learn How to Effectively Communicate Their Needs

Your most important role apart from sustaining your parents is your advocacy for their needs. Make sure to keep careful records of their medical history, use your journal of daily activities to provide details to the doctor during appointments, and characterize your parents accurately. Though your days may be frustrating as you care for them, be intentional about your objectivity—health-care providers depend on you to know how to treat your mother or father. It’s also important to communicate well so other family members can get a good picture of how your parents are doing. Always remember that there is help. Rather it’s in-home care for a few hours to some social time at an adult day care center, to a short-term respite stay at a community, you deserve a break sometimes and these things are there to help.