Senior Care in Davidsonville, MD: Is Your Loved One Safe at Home?

May 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Your mom is aging and you know that she has always been very independent and has done a good job so far taking care of herself. But you notice lately that she’s a bit slower doing things and sometimes you wonder if she is struggling with daily tasks and activities. It may be hard to know what to say, or how to ask her if she needs help.

Some warning signs that mom may need some help

  • Is her home messier than usual?
  • Is she wearing the same clothes a few days in a row?
  • Are her personal hygiene habits falling below usual levels?
  • Does she seem depressed?
  • Is her overall health declining?
  • Are you worried more about her than usual – for good reasons?

Senior Care in Davidsonville, MDTips on talking to your mom about getting some help

  1. Express your concerns carefully. Try not to accuse or confront.

Example: Don’t say, “I can see you can’t take proper care of yourself any more. What are we going to do about it?”

Do say, “I’ve been very concerned about you and it makes me sad. Are you getting everything you need? What can I do to help you with that? Let’s talk about some options.

  1. If she seems resistant, try to find out the real reasons that are producing the resistance. Maybe she is scared that she can no longer live at home. Maybe she doesn’t realize that you can hire help to come into her own home and give her the assistance she needs. Maybe she thinks she will be a burden to her family when actually, everyone would have more peace of mind knowing she is getting proper care.
  2. Get others to help you in your quest to talk to her. Maybe she has a friend who has used senior care services and is happy with the assistance they provide. Maybe another senior family member uses senior health care services and can tell her how great it is to have the help they need and still remain in their own home.
  3. Let your mom be a part of the decision-making process. Yes, you are trying to convince her she needs some home health care services, but she could still help make some of the decisions.
  4. Reassure her that when the senior care services come to help her, it doesn’t mean that she won’t be seeing you or her other family members any more. In fact, the extra help will free up her time to see more of her family. It’s a win-win situation. You have peace of mind, she gets the care she needs, and everyone is happy.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 Davidsonville, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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Video: Home Care Bowie MD: What is the difference between a Home Health Aide and a Personal Companion?

May 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Home Care Bowie MD: What is the difference between a Home Health Aide and a Personal Companion?

 

 

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Background Checks for Elderly Care Providers in Bowie, MD

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The elderly care provider that you choose to provide care for your aging loved one will be spending considerable amount of time with this senior on a regular basis. Depending on the type of care arrangement that you choose for your loved one, this caregiver could be in the home anywhere between an hour and 24 hours at a time. She will not only be helping your aging loved one with regular tasks such as it getting out of bed in the morning, bathing, dressing, eating and getting to places that she needs to go, but will also be responsible for things such as tidying the home, helping your aging loved one run errands, and even managing some basic organizational and personal tasks. Due to the sheer amount of time that this elderly care provider will be spending with your aging loved one, it is essential that you know as much about this person is possible prior to allowing her to provide care for your loved one.

Elderly Care in Bowie, MDAs with any family caregiver for an aging adult, it is at the top of your priority list to find an elderly care provider who is not only skilled and what she does, but will offer a positive contribution to the quality of life of your aging loved one. You want to be sure that when this caregiver is in your aging loved one’s home, that he is well cared for, safe and happy. One of the ways that you can assure this is by running a background check on all potential caregivers prior to their first day on the job. If you hire a caregiver through an elder care services agency, you can rest assured that your hiring a caregiver who has already undergone an extensive and thorough background check, but this does not mean that you cannot request another prior to the caregivers first day on the job.

Running a background check on a potential caregiver is not an invasion of privacy, nor is it you being petty or difficult. You are making sure that your aging loved one gets the level of care that he needs and deserves on a regular basis, and will be in safe and competent hands. As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry. You would not find out later that you hired someone to care for your aging loved one who has prior convictions for elder abuse, theft or identity fraud. Running this type of check eliminates any prior criminal activity as well as employment history and other disciplinary actions. Don’t hesitate to bring up the results of the background check in any interviews or follow-up meetings that you have with prospective caregivers. If you choose to give someone the benefit of the doubt, she may be able to explain something on her background check that looks much worse than it actually is. Above anything, however, trust your instincts and do not hire anybody to take care of your aging loved one who you do not feel absolutely comfortable with.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 elderly care agency providing Home Care in Bowie. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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Elder Care in Bowie, MD: Ultraviolet Awareness Month

May 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Every year thousands of people suffer from skin cancer. Even more cope with the effects of skin damage. These damages are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light, a component of sunlight and artificial tanning beds. As an element of your elder care services, it is important that you help your aging loved one understand the dangers associated with ultraviolet light, and help protect her from these dangers of a serious consequences to which they can lead. This May, join with healthcare organizations and businesses throughout the country and observing Ultraviolet Awareness Month. This month-long observation is dedicated to raising awareness of ultraviolet light dangers and teaching how people can avoid the consequences of overexposure to these lights.

As an elder care provider is important that you understand the seniors have more sensitive skin than younger people. Not only does this mean that they are more sensitive to topical applications of things such as lotions and cosmetics, they are also more susceptible to skin damage from ultraviolet rays. While many people joke that they don’t have to worry about exposure to the sun because they are already wrinkled, elderly people need to be exceptionally conscientious about their exposure to the sun, and protecting your skin from the sun because of the dangers of sunburn, skin cancer and other damage.

Elder Care in Bowie, MDSome of the things that you may learn it during Ultraviolet Awareness Month include:

  • The importance of the sun protection factor in sunscreens
  • How often you should wear sunscreen, and how often this country needs to reapply
  • What types of clothing are most appropriate for days in the sun
  • If artificial tanning is safe, and how often it should be done if ever
  • How to protect yourself against damages that may be caused by artificial tanning lights
  • How long you should be in the sun at any given time
  • Is there any benefits to ultraviolet light, and how you can get these benefits without putting yourself in danger
  • How to protect the elderly from the damages of ultraviolet light
  • How to start young when protecting your skin against ultraviolet light.

Some of the ways that you can encourage your elderly loved one to stay safe in the sun the summer include:

  • Find a sunscreen that your aging loved one likes and encourage her to use it every day
  • Choose a facial moisturizer that contains a sunscreen
  • If your aging loved one wears cosmetics, choose a foundation or powder that contains a sunscreen
  • Encourage your aging loved one to wear a hat and other protective clothing when she is out
  • If your aging loved one goes to tanning beds, gently educate her on the dangers and help her to find better, healthier ways for her to enhance her appearance.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 Bowie, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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Can a Home Care Services Companion be Part of a Care Team in Crofton, MD?

May 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Everyone has heard the old saying it takes a village to raise a child. But for many people, this adage proves just as true for taking care of seniors. Providing care for an aging loved one can be a very difficult undertaking. Not only are you under the physical stress of helping out a person cope with mobility and cognitive issues, but you also have to find the time and emotional strength to dedicate to helping your aging loved one manage his physical, psychological and cognitive needs on a regular basis. Even the strongest family caregivers can find themselves suffering from intense stress and exhaustion. Many simply don’t have the time to provide all of the care that an aging loved one needs and still fulfill their own obligations, such as taking care of their children, maintaining their marriage and balancing their career. In this situation, hiring a home care services companion to be part of the caregiving team can be a valuable step.

Home Care Services in Crofton, MDEstablishing a caregiving team for your aging loved one is one way to ensure he gets the level of care that he needs on an ongoing basis. If it is simply not a possibility for you to be in the home with your aging loved one throughout the day, every day, having a caregiving team will give you peace of mind that your aging loved one is properly cared for, safe and healthy. When establishing a caregiving team, it is important to carefully evaluate what each person can contribute to the team, and dividing responsibilities based on these expected contributions.

Contact the home care services agency in your area to discuss the various scheduling options that are available to you. Most agencies offer complete flexibility in terms of when home care services companions can be in the home, and for how long. This means that you can determine how often you will be providing care for your aging loved one, and hire a home care services companion to fill in the rest of the time. If there are several members of your family willing to provide care for your aging loved one, you may need an in home care provider even more rarely. Don’t feel the need to reject help from your family members out of a feeling of obligation toward the health care services companion. Schedule a care provider for the times that you need her, and allow your aging loved one to be cared for at other times by the other members of the care team.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 Services in Crofton, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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Elderly Care in Kettering, MD: Making Your Own Beach

April 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For many people, the summer means one specific thing: the beach. Warm weather and bright sunshine make the perfect time to go dig your toes into the sand and enjoy the cool waves. In fact, many families go on an annual vacation to the beach, and consider one of their most treasured activities together. Unfortunately, cognitive issues, mobility challenges and medical concerns can make it difficult or even impossible for your aging loved one to enjoy a family vacation to the beach. This does not mean, however, that you can’t help him enjoy at least some of the memories of these joyful times.

Elderly Care in Kettering, MDInnovative elderly care is all about finding ways to keep your aging loved one happy and healthy in ways that are safe and possible when considered in conjunction with his specific needs. As an elder care provider, you can help your aging loved one recall precious memories of days at the beach without ever having to leave his home. Simply create a beach for him! This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the mental strengthening powers of sensory stimulation, encourage communication and interaction and simply give your loved one and emotional boost.

The easiest way to create a beach for your aging loved one is to purchase too small wading pools and set them up in the backyard. If mobility issues or medical concerns make it impossible for your aging loved one to spend much time outside, it is possible to do this activity inside, but be sure to lay down a waterproof drop cloth and a sheet to protect your floors.

Purchase sand from a hardware store and pour several inches into one of the pools. Fill the other pool with water and set up several lounge chairs beside the pools. If you are outside, you could also set up a beach umbrella to block the sun and complete the look. Now comes the fun part. Purchase a variety of beach toys, pack a picnic and play your favorite beach music or even a recording of the sound of waves and other beach sounds. Invite your aging loved one to play in the sand, dip his feet in the water and even help you build a sand castle. You may be surprised at just how active and energetic your loved one gets when he has the opportunity to recall fun, youthful days. Welcome him to tell you about the memories brought up by the feeling of the sand and water, or the sound of the waves. You may just learn something about the days he spent at the beach before you came along!

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 elderly care agency providing Home Care in Kettering, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

 

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Video: Home care Bowie MD: What is the difference between in-home care and adult day care services?

April 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Home care Bowie MD: What is the difference between in-home care and adult day care services?

 

 

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Handling Inappropriate Behavior from a Home Care Services Companion in Glenn Dale, MD

April 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Hiring an in home care provider for your aging loved one is a fantastic way for you to help him remain as independent as possible, while still feeling sure that he is receiving the level of care that he needs and deserves on a daily basis. Home care services provide access to ongoing care and assistance for those seniors need in hell fulfilling their Activities of Daily Living, managing medical concerns and simply getting through each day.

These in home health care services providers can take care of a wide variety of needs on a daily basis, including:

  • Keeping the home tidy
  • Doing laundry washing dishes
  • Helping your aging loved one get out of bed, use the restroom and get dressed
  • Leaving your aging loved one
  • Preparing meals in helping your aging loved one needs
  • Buying groceries or running other errands
  • Offering medication and treatment reminders

Home Care Services in Glenn Dale, MDThe in home care provider that you hire for your aging loved one will be spending considerable amount of time with him, which means they are bound to develop a close relationship. If you notice that this relationship has gone beyond the appropriate professional pounds, however, it is essential that you step forward and protect the ongoing interest of your loved one

We never want to believe that the professionals who he hired to help care for our loved ones may be the the hazing inappropriately or unethically. Unfortunately, it does occur on occasion, and seniors can suffer serious consequences due to inappropriate relationships with their home care services companion.

Inappropriate relationships can be described in many ways, but often in these situations, an in home care provider will attempt to use sexuality and feigned affection to become a close enough to the senior to steal financial and personal information. Inappropriate behavior can also include abuse, neglect or simply behaving in such a way that it seems she is more of your loved one’s friend then caregiver.

It is important that from the very beginning your aging loved one’s care provider understands that this is a professional relationship, and that she will be expected to uphold her professional approach to your loved one throughout the course of the relationship. It is unrealistic to expect that your loved one and his care provider will not form a closer relationship over the years, but it is important you remain vigilant so you can detect if any inappropriate, unethical or unprofessional behavior is occurring.

If you do notice anything that you don’t like about the health care services companion that has been assigned to your loved one, whether she has been working for you for a day or a year, don’t hesitate to confront her about what you have seen. If the attractions are very serious, however, you may want to go directly to the senior care services of referral agency from which you hired the companion, and voice your concerns. This will ensure the situation is ended promptly, and handled in the best way possible

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 Services in Glenn Dale, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.
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Elderly Care in Queen Anne, MD: Growing a Vegetable Garden

April 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Elderly care projects are a wonderful way for you to spend quality time with your aging loved one, while also keeping her physically and mentally active and healthy. The elderly care projects that you choose should be geared specifically towards the skills, capabilities and interests of your loved one to ensure that she is invested in these activities, and games the most benefit from them. One of the most enjoyable and satisfying elderly care projects that can be completed at this time of year is growing a vegetable garden.

Elderly Care in Queen Anne, MDGrowing a vegetable garden is a progressive project that requires time, effort and patience, but yields tremendous benefits. Not only is gardening a great form of exercise, but it also has the added benefit of a sense of satisfaction when the garden produces vegetables. These vegetables can then be harvested in turned into delicious, nutritious and natural meals.

Of course, anyone who has ever attempted to grow a vegetable garden knows that this can be quite an undertaking. Particularly if you live in a cold or unpredictable climate, it can be difficult to determine when it would be most appropriate to plant the garden. Starting your garden inside is not only easier for a senior who has mobility issues, but it allows for greater flexibility in terms of when the garden can be put in the ground.

To start a vegetable garden inside, you must either decide if you are going to begin the plants from seeds or if you are going to purchase seedlings that have already begun to grow. Obviously, seedlings are much closer to harvest then see, but many people find planting a seed and watching it transform into a plant is more exciting and more satisfying than starting with the seedlings. Purchase individual pots for each vegetable plant. There are many available that can be transferred directly into the ground, making a more convenient and more environmentally friendly than disposable plastic pots. Follow the planting instructions carefully, and establish a care schedule to ensure that the plants are properly protected and nurtured.

Growing a vegetable garden as part of your elder care services offers plenty of opportunity for conversation. As you are working in your garden, whether it is planting the seeds, transferring the seedlings into the ground or tending to the garden as it grows, you are given the chance to share memories, discuss issues or even just talk about the wonder of growing vegetables. Growing a vegetable garden provides your loved one with many benefits, including physical and mental exercise, quality time with you and access to fresh, nourishing food that she grew herself.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 elderly care agency providing Home Care in Queen Anne, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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Elderly Care in Davidsonville, MD: Understanding the Importance of Grab Bars for Safety

April 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Many seniors, even those that are otherwise healthy and in good shape, can cope with changes in their balance and stability that can often result in falls. In fact, falls are responsible for more visits to emergency rooms and elderly care facilities than anything else each year. Because seniors are more susceptible to injury, and have a more difficult time healing, what may seem like a minor fall could have very serious consequences for your aging loved one. This is why one of the most important aspects of your Elderly Care in Davidsonville, MDelderly care plan for your aging loved one should be taking measures to help prevent these falls from occurring.

Other than stairs, the most dangerous room in a senior’s home in terms of falling is the bathroom. Simply by nature of the materials that are often used to build and decorate bathrooms, and the fact that these materials are often wet, makes the bathroom a prime location for slipping and falling. The simple installation of grab bars can dramatically increase the safety of your aging loved one’s bathroom, and prevent truly devastating consequences. These bars are simple to install and can mean the difference between health and a long stint in the hospital.

Grab bars positioned strategically around the bathroom provide several levels of fall prevention for your aging loved one. When installed in the shower, these bars help your loved one climate into the bathtub, get into a safe and comfortable position, and get out of the bathtub. When installed near the toilet, grab bars provide leverage to make it easier for your loved one to sit down and stand up, and give a point of support when your loved one is leaning forward to get bathroom tissue. Perhaps the most overlooked way that grab bars are an important elderly care tool is the assistance they provide when they are positioned along the walls. If a senior feels as though he is losing his balance and may fall, one of the first instincts is to reach out and grab something to prevent the fall. Unfortunately, if the thing that your aging loved one grabs is a towel rod or empty wall, he has much less chance of regaining his balance and may actually experience and even more serious fall then he would have in the first place. Positioning grab bars along the walls of the bathroom gives a sturdy grab point for your aging loved one so that he can move confidently and safely throughout the room.

Home care counselors at Right at Home 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 elderly care agency providing Home Care in Davidsonville, MD. For more information about senior care call us at (888) 281-5937.

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