Encouraging Independence in Seniors – Maintaining Quality of Life

As a caregiver, it is important to encourage independence in seniors, but also to interact with them in ways that provide the opportunity for them to maintain a better quality of life for themselves.  By participating in activities with your senior loved one, not only are you showing that you care – the acts you undertake together can help improve their overall health.  In fact, research indicates that keeping seniors physically, mentally, socially and emotionally engaged can help them retain better cognitive function, stay healthier and live independently longer.

As the seniors in our lives grow older, daily interaction is vital to their health and happiness.  However, when caring for a loved one, it is easy to get into the habit of doing things “for” them rather than “with” them.  Let’s face it – it can be more efficient to do everything yourself.  Seniors are seasoned pros at doing things for themselves, but, due to aging bodies or underlying health issues, aspects of everyday living sometimes become a bit challenging both mentally and physically.  Seniors may need your help, but doing everything for them is neither the answer nor does it cultivate a better quality of life that can be achieved by learning the art of Interactive Caregiving™.

Interactive Caregiving™ is not just a term defined by Comfort Keepers®, it is a specific, engaging way of life that its caregivers, known as Comfort Keepers, undertake when caring for people.  By definition, Interactive Caregiving™ promotes physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing.  When put into action, this philosophy focuses on the person as a whole, helps seniors live the highest possible quality of life by keeping them happy and engaged, and fosters healthy independent living within their own homes. 

The true art of caregiving for the elderly extends beyond task-oriented responsibilities and includes engaging in activities that help maintain a healthy spirit and body.  Talk to the senior in your life to help determine what their interests are, then form a plan to do those things together!  When planning your activities, keep the elements of Interactive Caregiving™ in mind.

·         Physical activity, which should always be approved by the senior’s physician, helps reduce the severity of illness, and makes seniors stronger and less likely to fall.  Dancing can reduce high blood pressure, strengthen bones and lower the risk of heart disease.  Dancing with friends also provides a social outlet that stimulates the mind and can reduce the effects of dementia.  Activities such as gardening and cleaning the house inspire positive self-esteem and higher qualities of life. 

·         Socializing with family and friends, as well as attending parties or other events, makes seniors feel less isolated and promotes good memory retention.  The effects of being socially active are just as beneficial as physical activity in terms of self-esteem and achieving a higher quality of life, which is important to note for seniors who are unable to exercise.

·         Mental stimulation, such as crossword puzzles or other brain games, keeps minds active and facilitates healthy mental and emotional function.  Mental wellbeing fosters a sharp mind and a positive outlook on life.

·         Emotional wellbeing depends on several factors, such as feeling connected to family and friends, being involved in the community or taking on a hobby.  Emotional stability helps seniors be happy and optimistic, which can keep depression at bay.

Encourage seniors to help with tasks they are able to perform, such as folding laundry and writing a grocery list.  Play a game or work on a puzzle, read the paper over a morning cup of coffee, and take a walk together after lunch.  Shopping together provides another form of exercise and the chance to do something together.  Planting flowers and other gardening activities are not only fun, but provide a sense of accomplishment when you both step back to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

There are many more activities than these few that can improve the quality of life for seniors.  Use your imaginations and work together to plan fun things that will transform even the most mundane daily activities into special memories that last a lifetime.

 

Live-In Care or 24/7 Care? 

There IS a Difference!

We know that most seniors prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Family members usually try to do everything possible to keep their loved one comfortable and happy right at home.  But, safety must always come first.  When care needs change, and a senior requires round-the-clock care, there is often confusion about what exactly this means.  Family members, along with an experienced company such as Comfort Keepers, can assess which option is best for the senior: live-in care or 24/7 care? What are the differences and what factors need to be considered?

Live-in Care is when one caregiver is at the residence of the client for 24 hours yet sleeps for eight hours.  The caregiver has their own private area of the client’s residence to sleep uninterrupted during the night.  Live-in care reduces the number of caregivers that are in contact with the client compared to 24/7 care and can be more cost-efficient. Typically, two caregivers rotate working three or four days a week.  Clients who need limited assistance with activities of daily living and who usually sleep through the night, are appropriate for live-in care.  Clients who wake frequently during the night, need to be monitored continuously, or who have dementia are not appropriate for live-in care; they need 24/7 care.

24/7 Care is when continuous care is needed. Clients who need extensive care, require continuous monitoring, wake often, have dementia, or who wander are more appropriate for 24/7 care. Usually, there are three or more caregivers who work rotating eight or twelve hour shifts to ensure the client’s needs are met at all times.  The costs are generally higher because the caregivers are working 24 hours and not taking a sleep break.

With both options...

• It is important for the client, family members, caregivers, and service provider to have an open flow of communication.

• The client needs to be evaluated by the service provider to ensure that an appropriate Plan of Care is devised for the client’s needs.  Also, follow-up evaluations ensure that the seniors’ needs continue to be met as circumstances change.

• In addition, a modified version can be custom-tailored for the client who prefers live-in care, but has needs through the night.  Instead of 24/7 care, a relief caregiver can be assigned to cover the eight hour shift while the live-in caregiver sleeps. This situation allows the live-in caregiver to sleep uninterrupted and still provides the client the care they require.

Comfort Keepers offers in-home care from as little as 2 hours a day to 24/7 and live-in care.  We also offer much needed respite care for family caregivers that need a break and an opportunity to recharge, so they can remain healthier and happier while caring for their loved one.  Comfort Keepers provides service in Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Kingman, and surrounding areas.  Please call us today at 866-757-0005 to see how we can help your family.

Oprah Has Left Our Living Rooms

You didn’t have to be an Oprah fan to know that after 25 years, Oprah was ending her daytime show.  There were several nights of star-studded events and then a rather quiet last show on a Wednesday afternoon.  I’m not writing this to lament Oprah’s decision to end her show, but rather to discuss how this leaves a big hole in many people’s lives – especially some of our senior loved ones.  For many seniors, especially for those who live alone, TV is a big part of everyday life.  It’s a voice in the house, something that entertains and informs, something that keeps them company.  And, we need to be aware of, and sensitive to, how a favorite show going off the air might affect our loved ones.  We need to watch for signs of depression, loneliness, and irritability.  We need to understand that something has yet again, been taken away.  Seniors face so many losses as the years go by: spouses die, friends move away to go to nursing homes, and their own health declines.  So, it should come as no surprise that something like a favorite TV show can impact life in a big way.  We all need things to look forward to each and every day.  And, for many seniors, the highlight of their day might very well be a favorite TV show.  And, if that’s gone, it is our job to be perceptive to this and help in any way possible. 

Unfortunately, if we live far away or work during the day, it can be difficult to be there for our loved ones as much as we’d like.  At these times, it can be beneficial to retain the services of a company like Comfort Keepers.  We offer a wide range of services designed to keep seniors safer, happier and more comfortable in their own homes.  Perhaps they need more help around the house and some comforting companionship.  Comfort Keepers can help.  Perhaps they could benefit from having someone there to cook for them and to eat with them, or to play a favorite card or board game.  Comfort Keepers can help.   Or maybe it’s just having someone accompany them to doctor’s visits or to the grocery store.  Comfort Keepers can help.  Our caregivers can be there from as few as 3 hours a week to 24-hour care.  Also, ask us about our respite services.

My own mom worked hard her entire life, and when she retired, she finally had the luxury to watch “the soaps.”  She got “hooked”, as she says, on two shows and she has been watching them faithfully ever since, for over 25 years now.  The characters on the shows are like friends and family members to her.  Sometimes, she’ll mention something about a beautiful dress that Blair wore, or what terrible thing happened to Nora that week, and I’ll have to stop and search my mind.  Who, exactly, is she talking about?  I don’t remember a friend named Nora, or a neighbor named Blair.  Then I laugh to myself and realize that my mom is talking about characters on “her shows”.  They are important in her life and help brighten each day for her.   I used to tease her about it, but I’ve learned to understand the importance of this in her life.  And, because these shows are due to end in several months, I’m going to be very attuned to how my mom feels and make sure that her days are good in spite of her losing some of her best friends.

For more information about senior wellness and how we can help your family, please call us at 928-855-0005 or visit us at www.comfortkeepers.com/lakehavasucity-az today.  Comfort Keepers provides services in Lake Havasu City, AZ,  Bullhead City, AZ, Kingman, AZ and surrounding areas.

Caregiving Across the Miles

You did it…… you grew up, became successful, started a family of your own, and moved out…states away, even, from your Mom and Dad.  Or, as is often the case in this beautiful area of western Arizona, your Mom and Dad have moved away from you!  You visit from time to time and keep in touch by talking on the phone and emailing pictures of grandchildren, and possibly great grandchildren, on a regular basis. 

As your parents grow older, though, a realization may hit home – they may require more help than they used to in terms of both physical and emotional support.  If you live far away, it can be very hard to provide the type of support and care they need.  Not only is this frustrating for you, it can become frightening for your loved one. 

If you are attempting to care for a loved one from afar, rest assured you are not alone.  As one of the leading in-home care companies for adults, Comfort Keepers^® has recognized this challenge exists in many families and has devised a simple, yet important, list of ways to make caregiving from afar as easy as possible.

·         Communicate.  Realize that Mom or Dad may not want to worry you with their problems or health issues.  Discuss this with them and make them understand how important it is that they be completely open and honest with you about their lives.  Also, call them often!  You do not need to discuss important issues with them every time…just call to chat and keep each other in the loop of your daily lives.  Talking often about day-to-day events fosters a closeness that you will treasure and also makes it easier to discuss critical matters as they arise.

·         Ask for help.  Taking care of aging parents from hundreds, or even thousands of miles away may require assistance.  Comfort Keepers offers a wide variety of services that can help parents like your own.  From grocery shopping and preparing meals to cleaning their house and trips to the doctor’s office – our caregivers, who we call Comfort Keepers, can assist your parents with many tasks, as well as provide company and companionship when you can’t be there.

Keep track of their specifics.  It is important for you to know certain things about your parents.  For example: social security numbers, who their doctor(s) is, medications they take, the name of their attorney, or any other important information.  Also, knowing their dates and places of birth, who their creditors are, what assets and investments they hold, etc., can help you navigate numerous matters that may arise, especially if they become victims of fraud.  This information is also essential for you to know if you end up having to help your parents manage money.