Elder Care in Scottsdale, AZ: Post-Rehab Care in the Home

/in /by

Extended hospitalizations are a common aspect of elder care. Seniors are more susceptible to serious illness and injury and require more comprehensive care in order to recover properly. After hospitalization, however, many seniors will require a time of rehabilitation in order to recover functionality and achieve full recovery.

This rehabilitation is a critical element of elderly health care as it addresses common problems associated with extended hospitalization. One of these problems is referred to as deconditioning. Deconditioning is when an elderly person’s body experiences functional losses that make it difficult for him to fulfill daily tasks and achieve the same level of mobility and independence that he had prior to going into the hospital. Deconditioning is a common result of spending a considerable amount of time in bed, but it does not have to mean that your aging loved one can no longer enjoy the same level of independence and activity that he did prior to having to be hospitalized.

Rehabilitation after hospitalization is a common elder care recommendation. Physicians will want to ensure that an elderly person continues to receive support for regaining his abilities after hospitalization so that when he returns home his far along the path of full recovery. After this realization, however, it is critical that you provide continued elderly health care to support your loved one’s recovery efforts.

Home care for the elderly is a fantastic resource for post-rehab care that can encourage your aging loved one to regain his physical strength, mental sharpness and independence. Elderly home care is about having a provider in the home to help address daily needs, as well as to encourage compliance with medication and other treatment recommendations. Consider introducing an elderly home care provider to your aging loved one while he is still involved in rehabilitation so that the transition from this rehab center into home care is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Helping your aging loved one to feel comfortable with the person who will be providing post-rehab care in his home will encourage compliance with this care, and therefore hasten his total recovery.

When researching options for elder care in Scottsdale, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Scottsdale, AZ.

Caregiver in Scottsdale, AZ: Showing Your Mother You Still Need Her

/in /by

Being a mother is one of the most important roles that any woman can have. Most women treasure their children and the relationship that they have with them as one of the most valuable relationships that they have in their entire lives. As their children get older, however, it is easy for mothers to feel as though they are no longer important. This is especially true if there adult child is also acting as their caregiver.

Transitioning from being the one providing the care to the one receiving the care can be extremely difficult for seniors, but there are ways that you can continuously reaffirm the importance of your mother in your life while also providing home care for her.

Being a caregiver for a senior is about much more than making sure that her physical and medical needs are addressed. While providing home care for an aging parent you must also take careful consideration to support her mental and emotional health, which includes acknowledging her feelings and recognizing when she is having difficulty accepting changes that are occurring in her capabilities as well as her relationships. It is important that you balance your role as a caregiver with your role as your mother’s adult child in order to maintain the loving and bonded relationship, while also addressing all of her needs.

There are many ways that you can show your mother that you still need her. Asking her to help you with simple tasks around the house as she is capable such as putting groceries away, folding laundry or watching a sleeping baby for a few minutes will give her a considerable validation while also affirming to her that you trust her. Other ways that you can remind her of her value as your mother is to bring up memories of when you’re a child and connect them to her home care. Request a recipe that you particularly love to when you are a child, or ask her how she made your sheets smell so good. This will remind her how much you appreciate her caring for you, and show her that you are providing the same care because you love her.

When researching options for caregivers in Scottsdale, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Scottsdale, AZ.

Senior Care in Phoenix, AZ: Coping with Caregiver Guilt

/in /by

When you are the primary caregiver for an aging loved one it is easy to become overwhelmed and burned out. Just because you are providing care for a senior loved one does not mean that you don’t have your own life separate from this caregiving relationship to manage. You may have your own children, a marriage, a career and valued past times that you find yourself often neglecting because of your compulsion to be constantly available for your aging loved one. One of the main senior care issues that impacts family caregivers is referred to as “caregiver guilt”, and is the feeling of guilt that occurs when you aren’t spending every moment caring for an aging loved one.

Caregiver guilt is difficult for anyone who provides senior care for an aging loved one. Whether your aging loved one lives in your home or you go to their home to provide care, it is easy to feel as though you are not doing enough or that asking for help would be assigned that you don’t love your aging loved one enough. When you begin feeling these things, it is critical the remind yourself that you are only one person and that you must continue to take care of yourself while you’re also taking care of your aging loved one. This means asking for help when you need it. Senior home services can offer you an incredible amount of help when you need time to take care of yourself.

Hiring a senior care provider does not mean that this person needs to be in the home all day or even every day. You can hire senior home services that will come to the home as little as a few hours every week to give you a break and take care of some of the senior care responsibilities so you are able to take care of yourself and other responsibilities. While this may increase your caregiver guilt, it is important that you consistently remind yourself that you are doing what is best for your aging loved one not just by ensuring that he is well taken care of when you are not available, but also by taking care of yourselves that you can be the best caregiver you possibly can.

Another way to cope with caregiver guilt is by participating in a senior care support group. Senior care referral services can connect you with the support group in your area so you can create a network of encouragement with those that understand what you are going through. This support group will help you to confront your caregiver guilt and rationalize your feelings so that you are able to honestly express your frustration, depression and even anger that is sometimes related to providing ongoing care for a senior, and receive support and encouragement from people who will not judge you and will help you to feel more confident in your role as a caregiver, but also as a person.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Phoenix AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Phoenix AZ.

Recognizing Important Days with a Caregiver in Phoenix, AZ

/in /by

As a caregiver it is important that you acknowledge not just the physical needs of your aging loved one, but also his emotional needs. Part of this is helping him to recognize the important days throughout the year and what they mean to him. For many seniors, holidays and days of significance gain even more importance in late adulthood. Acknowledging these days and helping your aging loved one to recognize them in a meaningful way will be valuable to his emotional health.

While many people immediately think of recognize holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving as the important days throughout the year that seniors need support and acknowledgment, there are actually several other days that may be even more importance, yet are easily forgotten. For many seniors, birthdays often slip by without acknowledgments. It is not necessarily their own birthday that they care about, but these seniors may feel left out of the celebrations of family birthdays or the birthdays of family members that have passed. Inviting an aging loved one to a birthday celebration is an important way of keeping him connected to the family and creating valuable family memories. Likewise, taking the time to acknowledge the birthday of a family member that has passed will help to validate the memories and emotions of your aging loved one related to that person and keep the memory alive.

Another important day that home care providers can help seniors acknowledge is anniversaries. While young couples often have elaborate celebrations for their anniversaries, senior couples may not have the means or the mobility to enjoy such a celebration. Consider planning something small but joyful for your aging loved ones to acknowledge their time together and honor their love. If your aging loved one is mourning the loss of his partner on his anniversary, help him to memorialize his partner in a meaningful way such as visiting the cemetery or a special place that they shared together.

Making sure that important days throughout the year do not go unacknowledged is a valuable way to keep your aging loved one feeling important and heard. These acknowledgments do not have to be elaborate; simply recognition of the importance of the day and time to talk about the meaning of this day to give your aging loved one the opportunity to enjoy making memories and reminiscing on old ones.

When researching options for in home care agencies in Phoenix AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing caregivers in Phoenix AZ.

Elder Care Phoenix: Dealing with Senior Weight Loss

/in /by

Weight loss is a serious concern for many seniors. Various medical conditions can lead to a loss in appetite, and cognitive concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease can make it difficult for your senior to understand hunger and the need to eat. A reduced compulsion to eat can quickly lead to malnutrition and serious weight loss. This is something that needs to be addressed promptly in order to protect the ongoing health and well-being of your loved one. If you are noticing that your senior loved one has been losing weight rapidly, discuss your concerns with his physician. If your loved one was seriously overweight prior to this weight loss, the physician may they that this weight loss is fine as long as the senior continues to feel healthy and is behaving in ways that you would describe as being consistent with his personality and character. If your senior has lost extreme amount of weight, however, didn’t need to lose weight in the first place, or is lethargic or doesn’t seem like “him”, this weight loss can be cause for concern.

Addressing senior weight loss can be as easy as modifying the senior’s diet. One side effect of aging is loss of the ability to smell and taste, which can greatly reduce the compulsion to eat. By introducing foods with very strong sense and flavors, you can make the experience of eating more satisfying, therefore making your senior more willing to eat regularly. If a specific medical concern, medication or other problem is causing your senior to not be able to maintain his body weight, you may need to find creative ways to introduce more calories into his diet. Many doctors recommend using meal replacement shakes and boosting their nutritional content by adding extra protein powder. These shakes cannot only replace meals for seniors who have difficulty eating solid food, but can also act as supplements to a regular diet. The liquid nature of the shakes is easier for many seniors to consume, and the sweet flavors tend to be very appealing.

Make sure that you discuss with your senior your concerns over his weight loss. Ask him what types of foods she would like to eat, and if there is anything else you could do to help stimulate his appetite. Make sure that you are not sacrificing a well-balanced diet simply for bulk, because as much more important that he gets the nutrition that he needs then it is that he eats a large amount.

When researching options for elder care Phoenix, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing elder care Phoenix, AZ.

Better Senior Care in Phoenix, AZ: Easy Bathroom Safety Ideas

/in /by

When it comes to providing the best senior care for your aging parents, it is important that you keep in mind all areas of the home. It is easy to recognize challenges in areas such as the living room or kitchen, but one of the most dangerous areas of the home for a senior is actually the bathroom. One of the most important parts of senior care is making sure that your parents are in a safe and secure environment, but also that they can continue to maintain their daily activities with as high a level of independence as possible.

Bathroom safety can be accomplished through making simple changes to the design and function of the room. Whether you are willing to do some major renovations to the home or would rather implement simpler changes that can be done more easily and less expensively, you can greatly improve your parents’ physical security and ability to take care of themselves with these ideas:

Shower

• Getting into the shower is often the most difficult part of bathing for seniors. Consider replacing the bathtub with one specifically designed for use by seniors or with a shower stall that doesn’t require a large step to get in.

• Make sure that there are secure handrails installed on the walls of the shower. These bars should be firmly installed in place so that a senior can rely on the bar to help them steady themselves without worrying that it will come off of the wall.

• Place non-slip pads or stickers on the bottom of the tub to keep your aging parents safe from slipping when bathing.

• Benches can make it much easier for your parents to bathe, allowing them to sit comfortably and securely on the bench rather than trying to bathe while standing.

• By installing a handheld shower head you can make it easier for your parent to bathe himself, or easier for a caregiver to bathe him because the shower head can be moved around his body rather than requiring that he move himself.

Toilet

• An elevated toilet seat makes it easier for your parent to sit down and stand back up.

• A padded toilet seat cover is more comfortable, and also cuts down on slipping.

• Make sure that the toilet paper is close enough to the toilet that your parents don’t have to lean far to get it.

Other

• Choose a sink that is at an easy height to use but also doesn’t pose a risk for your parent hitting his knees.

• Eliminate uneven flooring such as small tiles that can pose a tripping or traction hazard.

• Make sure that there are handrails positioned around the room so that if your parent loses his balance he doesn’t reach for a towel rod or something else that could break and cause a serious fall.

When researching options for in home care agencies in Phoenix AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Phoenix AZ.

An In- Home Assessment by Your Local Home Care Agency Can Point Out Safety Issues in the Home

/in /by

Aging brings with it not only mobility issues, but an increased susceptibility to falling and sustaining severe injuries. This means that it is absolutely critical that your aging loved ones live in a home that is as free from hazards as possible. It can be very difficult for you to detect the potential safety hazards in your parents’ home because you are so accustomed to that home. It is likely that your parents of lived in that home for the majority of your life, if not your entire life, and you are so used to the surroundings that you may not notice things that could pose a serious danger to your parents on a daily basis. This doesn’t mean that your negligence, or that you don’t care about the safety of your parents, it simply means that you are so used to your parents’ home in the way that you have navigated it over the years, that it may not occur to you that simple things that you just consider part of their home may be dangerous.

An in-home assessment by a local home care agency can be extremely enlightening in pointing out the safety hazards in your parents’ home. If you have noticed that your parents are coping with mobility or cognitive issues and you are concerned about their safety, or they insist on remaining at home throughout the course of their life, strongly consider having such an assessment done. During this assessment the home care agency will come into your parents’ home and evaluate it for its safety and usability. The representatives of the agency will point out to you in the areas of concern, and offer suggestions for how to modify these potential hazards to make the home safer and more functional for your parents.

Some of the things that a home care agency might notice during an in-home assessment include:

  • Furniture that is arranged in such a way that makes it difficult to get through the home
  • A bathroom that is not properly outfitted with slip resistant materials and handrails
  • Banisters that are not secure
  • Sidewalks and other walkways that are uneven
  • Porches and front steps that are not in good condition
  • Appliances that are not in good working order or that can be easily turned on accidentally
  • A lack of security measures such as locks or window bars
  • A lack of a home security system that includes monitoring

Having such an assessment will allow you to modify your parents’ home so that it is safe as possible, allowing them to remain in these surroundings throughout their lives. An in-home assessment by a home care agency can also be a fantastic start to a home care companion relationship. This assessment will allow the companion to get familiar with the home as well as with your parents.

When researching options for in home care agencies in Tucson, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an home care agency providing home care in Tucson AZ.

Activities that Home Care Companions Can Do with Seniors to Keep Them Happy and Healthy in Gilbert, AZ

/in /by

There is an important distinction that needs to be made in regards to elder care. Home care companions are not nurses. This means that they are not around to keep your senior loved one tucked in their bed when they will occasionally be visited for vital signs to be taken and medication to be handed over. Quite the opposition, home care companions are there to make sure that your loved ones are living the happiest, most energetic, and healthiest life but they possibly can. This means, of course, taking care physical need such as bathing, dressing, grooming, nutritional support, and medication reminders, but they’re far more benefits to having a home care companion.

A home care companion is just what their title suggests, a companion. This means that she is there to offer emotional support, friendship, and anything that your seniors need in order to enjoy a high quality of life. One thing that a qualified and dedicated home care companion will do is plan fun activities to do with seniors that will keep their minds active and their bodies healthy. Filling their days with activities will give your senior loved ones more productive and happier lives.

Some of the fun activities that your home care companion can do with your loved one include:

Scrapbooking

Making a scrapbook is one of the most wonderful ways to encourage a senior to remember their lives and record their happiest memories. A scrapbook is a lasting way to recall the accomplishments, memories, and legacy of a senior. With your help, a home care companion can gather photographs, letters, and any other mementos that can be included in a scrapbook that will give your senior the opportunity to share stories and relive the happiest times in her life.

Cooking

If your senior once loved cooking but is now unable to prepare her own meals, she may greatly miss this activity. Home care companion can prepare meals and snacks with a senior so that she can continue to enjoy the activity of cooking while remaining safe. This is also a chance for home care companion to introduce lighter and better balanced nutrition than your senior may be used to. Good nutrition is key to health and well-being, and making your senior a part of the meal preparation will make them feel good about themselves and their independence.

Physical Activity

Many seniors with mobility issues feel that they are no longer capable of participating in any form of physical activity. Much to the opposite, even seniors with serious mobility issues can enjoy activities on a daily basis. This is fantastic for physical and emotional health, and can stave off medical concerns and lead to a happier, healthier, and longer life. A home care companion can bring a senior out for walks, bring them to senior exercise classes, or even just help them with exercises and activities right there own home. By making it fun, and home care companion make physical activity something that your senior will look forward to.

When researching options for home care agencies in Gilbert, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Gilbert, AZ.

Considering Home Care in Chandler, AZ after Visiting Aging Parents During the Holidays? What You Should Know

/in /by

The holidays are such a bright and joyous time. You welcome your loved ones into your home, or visit them at their homes, and reconnect over the warm feelings and happiness that this season bring. The holidays, however, can also act as a magnifying glass through which the physical, cognitive, and medical needs of your aging loved ones can become incredibly obvious. Suddenly they are able to celebrate in the way that they once did. Maybe you noticed that they aren’t as actively participating in family traditions. Maybe your mother isn’t preparing the elaborate meal or a favorite dessert that she has every year. Maybe your father isn’t on the floor playing with the children, or outside arranging a family football game. Whatever it is that makes you feel that your parents need additional help, it is important that you don’t hesitate to get this help in place.

If you are considering home care after visiting your aging parents during the holidays, calling an agency for more information can help your mind at ease. The agency can offer you all the information that you need to make a confident and loving decision regarding the assistance of your parents. Here are some things that you should know about arranging home care for your aging parents:

• There is no one type of home care. That is the beauty of home care. It is absolutely personalized to the individual senior. Your parents will receive the level of care that they need, in the way that they need, and nothing else.

• A home care companion is not a nurse. She is not there to keep your parents constricted to bed or provide medical assistance and nothing else. She is there to be a companion.

• The companion means that she is there to encourage a productive, healthy, and happy life. She will help your parents run errands, take them on outings, help keep their house neat, do laundry, help prepare meals, play games, basically she will do whatever your parents need in order to feel comfortable and happy.

• Home care is an ideal complement to care that is provided by family members. A Home care companion can be there for just a couple of hours a day a few days a week if that’s all you need. You can also hire a live-in caregiver to provide assistance to your parents 24 hours a day seven days a week.

What’s really important to remember about home care for your aging parents is that through this type of care you are ensuring that your parents will be safe, happy, and healthy even if you are not available to be there all the time.

When researching options for home care agencies in Chandler, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Chandler, AZ.

Does Your Aging Loved One Need Elder Care? Home Care in Sun City West, AZ Can Help

/in /by

It can be hard to watch as your vital, energetic parent ages and gradually needs more help with day-to-day living or with managing health concerns. When you start noticing changes, however, it is time for you to come together with your loved one to devise a care plan. Keeping your parent involved to the extent that he is capable will ensure that he feels in control and that you are aware of his wishes. You may be surprised learning your parent’s opinions about his own continued care, so it is important that you remain open to his opinions and willing to respect them as much as possible.

If you notice that your parent is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consider a home elder care arrangement:

• An injury due to a fall or other accident and needs help during his recovery

• Mobility issues, particularly when going through daily activities such as getting out of bed, bathing, or walking

• Cognitive or memory problems that have become troublesome

• Regular non-compliance with his doctor’s medication or other treatment plan

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

• Sudden lack of social involvement or an uncharacteristic change in personality

Home elder care does not have to be a permanent solution. Just because your parent reaches a particular age or has been diagnosed with a certain medical condition doesn’t mean that he can’t live a vibrant and productive life. Recovering from an illness or injury can be more difficult in older adults, however, and having a home care companion can make this recovering faster, easier, and more effective.

If you know that your aging parent needs permanent care but also know that he doesn’t want to go to an assisted living or nursing care facility, home elder care can provide you peace of mind. You want the absolute best for your elderly loved one, and home care agencies know this. They are dedicated to providing attentive, compassionate, and supportive care that goes far beyond just ensuring that your loved one takes his medication. For those that are coping with the effects of aging, the value of companionship should never be underestimated.

When researching options for home care agencies in Sun City West, AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Sun City West, AZ.