Being a caregiver is not an easy job. The role comes with stress, depression, pressure, anxiety and exhaustion. These are important things to consider. Caregivers need to allow themselves to take a break if they begin feeling run down. It is extremely important to remain healthy so you can continue caring for an elderly individual. The following list contains some useful tips for Walnut Creek caregivers regarding their own well-being.
1. Caregivers should remember that they are not alone. The role of a caregiver can be stressful, exhausting and demanding. Many times, caregivers suffer from depression. While it may seem like the caregiver must do this alone, family and friends can offer much support and make a big difference.
2. Caregivers need to know their strengths. It is important to reward yourself for a job well done. Knowing your strengths as well as your limitations will help you become a better caregiver.
3. Many caregivers neglect their own health because they are so preoccupied with caring for a senior. Your personal health should be your number one priority. Never put aside your own health needs.
4. It is ok to ask for help. If you begin feeling overwhelmed, there is no shame asking for help. This could be as simple as words of encouragement. Family members may also be able to help you care for an elderly relative. This can make a huge difference because you will not be responsible for every aspect of care. It is ok to take a break!
5. Caregivers need to be an advocate for seniors. It is important for every caregiver to know their own rights in addition to the rights of the senior receiving assistance or treatment.
Aging Care in Walnut Creekenables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
Studies have shown that by mid-February, about 80% of New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned. Have you stuck to yours? Keeping a New Year’s resolution may be a difficult task, and especially for seniors. Often times, seniors choose resolutions that have health benefits. These can include diets, exercise, quitting bad habits or just managing their over-all health more efficiently. No matter what the resolution is, some seniors will need a little extra help. Now is the perfect time to check in and see how you’re doing with your resolutions. The list below provides some ways to keep on track with the goals you have set.
1. Have a support network, Friends and family can provide emotional support. This can be beneficial if the resolution included some drastic changes to daily living. If you have made some tough resolutions, you may benefit from being in the company of others who are also making changes to their lives. This can help seniors stay on track. Positive support groups are essential.
2. Resolutions can be difficult to keep, depending on what they are. Many seniors choose to lose extra weight or start an exercise program. The key to being successful with these resolutions is to just do them. If you have a new diet, stick to it. If you have a new exercise regime, make time for it each day. These changes can greatly improve health and mood, so stick with them regardless of how it feels at the time.
3. If you slip up on your resolution, do not quit completely. Many people make little mistakes. This does not mean the time you have already put into keeping the resolution needs to be thrown away. Just count that day as a loss and pick up where you left off.
When it’s time to hire a caregiver, family members and close friends of the senior are usually the first ones to take notice that it’s time for a change. Once health and safety could be sacrificed is when it’s necessary to start the journey for caregiving, and while it can be stressful, by following the right process the outcome can be positive.
1. Talk about it – while family might believe a senior requires home care assistance, their elderly loved one might not feel the same. Talking about it gently is essential, and not all seniors are likely to simply accept the suggestion of help. A family counselor can intervene if necessary.
2. List the help needed – talk together and determine specific things that a senior care provider like Home Care Walnut Creek could assist with. Whether it’s grocery shopping, help with bathing and dressing, or other tasks.
3. Do research – talk to friends and family about home care agencies they’d recommend, but during that process as costs are addressed, it’s also essential that any funding or insurance coverage that may be available is investigated
4. Don’t jump into a decision – even once a specific agency is narrowed down, it’s okay to interview them and ask questions about their history and their policies. Ask if they’ll spend time with the senior first to assess comfort level, and also verify that a replacement caregiver will be provided if one doesn’t work out
Some seniors may require some additional help at home. While the needs are not always the same, the help of a caregiver can be very beneficial. Whether you are looking for someone who can help medically or someone who will assist with daily living, there are many agencies like Walnut Creek Senior Care that provide seniors with caregivers. Hiring a caregiver is a serious decision that can be made easier by following some of the
tips below.
1. Check local Home Care Agencies. These companies staff many caregivers. However, they do provide different levels of service, so take the time to make sure all services that are needed can be provided.
2. If the senior in need of a caregiver is approved for care that will be paid for by Medicare, the Health Care Agency must be Medicare certified. This ensures that the agency meets the minimal federal requirements.
3. If the senior only requires personal care or homemaking services, caregivers do not have to come from an agency that is certified for Medicare.
4. If there is no Medicare coverage, the cost of the caregiver will have to be paid by the person receiving services. These services can be expensive, but there are some low rates for personal care attendants, also known as PCA’s. They are typically paid by the hour at rates between $13 and $35.
5. Do not be afraid to contact multiple agencies. It is important to find the right caregiver that will provide all services needed by the senior.
Home Care Walnut Creekenables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.
Seniors might find themselves shying away from Valentine’s Day. For some, it might be because they find the holiday cheesy; and for others, it might simply be because it brings back romantic memories with a spouse who has since passed. But, Valentine’s Day can be fun for people of all ages, so if you are one of these seniors, break out of your shell and surround yourself with loved ones whether it’s about romance or friendly fun.
• Attend a community event – visit a senior’s center or community center hosting Valentine’s Day celebrations. Performances like concerts by choirs, plays and poetry readings can be fun to attend and great for the whole family
• Try doing some crafts – seniors who are already part of craft groups are likely to be beginning themed activities for Valentine’s Day, but do them at home as well. Seniors can also make cards and decorations with their family members
• Do some baking – Valentine’s Day is often associated with treats. Chocolate and goodies are usually a feature of the holiday. For seniors that can eat these items without any health repercussions, they can do some baking with family members. Otherwise healthier recipes can be tried incorporating food coloring of heart shapes to get into the spirit!
With the increasing numbers of seniors affected with heart disease, many people are looking for ways to reduce risks. Doctors have performed recent studies that have revealed that statin can play a key role in reducing risks. Any senior who has a heart issue can benefit from increased amount of statin. Not only will the increase reduce heart risks, but it also has other health benefits. These benefits, as well as other important facts about statin, are provided below.
1. Increased doses of Lipitor or other cholesterol lowering medications has been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart related health problems.
2. In combination with medication, lowering bad cholesterol can reduce the chances of heart disease.
3. Seniors who have coronary heart disease should try to get their bad cholesterol levels below 100mg per each deciliter of blood.
4. High doses of statin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels to 70.
5. In addition to reducing the chances of developing heart disease, seniors can also reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.
6. Regardless of the current heart condition, lowering bad cholesterol can have many health benefits for seniors, including lower blood pressure, lower mortality rates and the reduction of risks of coronary heart disease.
7. Seniors who are currently taking medication to lower their cholesterol should speak to a doctor regarding the possible benefits of increasing the dosage.
If you are a caregiver, or know anyone with a heart condition, you could benefit from watching the following clip, which features a modified form of CPR called CCR that is easier to learn, easier to do and can save even more lives!
Here at Home Care Walnut Creek, we encourage seniors to be aware of their sodium intake. This daily intake, though necessary, can cause many health problems. It plays a major role in high blood pressure. Sodium lurks in foods we usually do not think twice about. Seniors should try to reduce their intake, especially if they are already affected with high blood pressure. The list below contains facts and tips for lowering sodium intake.
1. The government passed regulation to label products differently. Anything with more than 480 mg will be labeled as high in sodium.
2. When you reduce sodium intake, you will notice foods taste differently. Do not give up. In a short time, your taste buds will adjust!
3. Do not cut out sodium completely. The body does require some intake. For adults, the minimum amount is 200-500mg/day. Those with high blood pressure should not exceed 1500mg/day.
4. Lower intake by reading food labels and being aware of sodium contents, make records of daily sodium intake, change some eating habits and find low-sodium alternatives to what you normally eat.
5. When dining out, eat from the salad bar and avoid soups and sauces. Also ask for a low-sodium menu.
6. Read labels. Manufacturers are required to tell you how much sodium is in a product based on a serving size. Look at the serving size and then at how much sodium is in each size.
7. Keep in mind that many of your medications may contain sodium. Check with your doctor for tips on how to lower sodium intake. Also remember that tap water contains sodium as well, so try to drink bottled or filtered water.
No matter what age you are, exercise can have many benefits. One of the most common reasons seniors begin exercising is to improve heart health. Each year, heart disease affects millions of seniors. By implementing an exercise routine, heart health is improved, lowering the chances of developing heart disease. Below is a list containing some tips for seniors as they begin a new exercise program.
Before starting any exercise program, Home Care Walnut Creek wants to remind all seniors to check with their doctor first to make sure that the exercises they’re doing are safe.
1. Make sure all exercises are paced. You do not want to go too fast or over-do it. Give your muscles time to relax between exercises.
2. Individuals who have heart failure should always exercise in a controlled climate. Do not exercise outside in the extreme heat or cold.
3. During all exercises, make sure to have water nearby. Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors of a healthy exercise regime.
4. If you become fatigued, stop the exercise. Do not exercise if you have not been feeling well or if you experience any shortness of breath.
5. Pain can be an indicator of other health problems. If you experience any pain, stop the exercise, especially if the pain is in the chest.
6. After all exercises, check your pulse 15 minutes after you have stopped. Your pulse rate should be lower than 120.
Being a caregiver is not an easy job. The role comes with stress, depression, pressure, anxiety and exhaustion. These are important things to consider. Caregivers need to allow themselves to take a break if they begin feeling run down. It is extremely important to remain healthy so you can continue caring for an elderly individual. The following list contains some useful tips for Walnut Creek caregivers regarding their own well-being.
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