Star One Home Care & Medical Staffing

What Can Your Loved One’s Home Tell You about Her Needs?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:46:49 GMT

Your elderly loved one might not always be as open and honest with you about her need for help as you would like for her to be. In that case, you might need to go on a bit of a clue hunt around her house.

The Yard Hasn’t Been Maintained

The yard can be an initial clue for you that your loved one is having issues keeping up with some tasks. Even if she has someone else handling the yardwork for her, she may not be keeping up with scheduling that job. There could be other reasons yardwork isn’t done, though, so you might want to combine this with other indicators.

The House Is Dirty or More Cluttered than Usual

If your loved one has always been fairly neat and tidy, having a cluttered or dirty home is going to be unusual for her. Some elderly loved ones may stop allowing people into their homes once the house becomes too cluttered or dirty. If this is the case for your loved one, you may not be able to directly see inside her home.

Pots and Pans Either Aren’t Used or Have Scorch Marks

When you are able to access your loved one’s home, the state of her cooking utensils and pans can tell you a good bit. If they look as if they haven’t been used in a long time, your loved one may be relying on convenience foods or eating out a lot. Scorch marks can be an indication that the pans are being left unattended on the heat too long.

Unopened Mail Sits Everywhere

If your loved one isn’t opening her mail and it’s piling up, that can be an indication that she’s letting certain things slide. Junk mail that’s unopened could simply mean that she’s overwhelmed about sifting through all of the mail. Unopened bills or other important mail, on the other hand, is a bigger deal.

The Fridge and Pantry Are Empty

Taking a look at your loved one’s pantry, fridge, and freezer can give you an indication what types of food she’s eating regularly. If these spaces are empty or are looking sparse, this is a big sign that your loved one could be having other problems.

Once you determine that your loved one needs extra help, do what you can and consider hiring home care providers to help both of you.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Chappaqua, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

How Can You Balance Caregiving with All of Your Other Responsibilities?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:41:30 GMT

In today’s society, you have way more on your plate than just caring for your elderly loved one. But when all of those responsibilities are just as important as the other ones, finding a balance might feel impossible to you. Start out by making a plan.

Look at Your Situation Objectively

Step back for a minute and take a look at your life and your responsibilities. Is there anything that you can step away from, even temporarily? Sometimes this can give you the room to breathe for a little while so that you can find some balance. If there isn’t, you can still make a plan that helps you to accomplish everything that you need to accomplish.

Learn as Much as You Can about Community Resources

Contact as many of the senior agencies in your area as you can. If you’re not sure where to find these agencies, start with your county’s local health department and they can point you in the right direction. There may be some amazing resources right there in your own community that can help you find the balance you so desperately need.

Put a Plan in Place and Monitor How Well that Plan Works

With the new information you’ve collected, start making a plan for a more balanced life for you and your loved one. You may find that bringing in a senior care provider helps you and your loved one to feel more secure when you can’t be there. Then your attention isn’t divided when you’re away and you can focus on what you’re doing right then. Monitor how well the plan is working, so that you can fix that.

Adjust the Plan as You Need to Do So

Don’t be afraid to rearrange, change, and adjust your plan as you need to do so. Your needs and your loved one’s needs won’t remain static, so you’ll constantly be making small adjustments. Being able to change your plan as you need to is part of the strength of having a plan in the first place.

There’s no perfect solution for all family caregivers, unfortunately. You’ll have to take the time to test the balance of caregiving and your life to find the best fit for you and for your elderly loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Suffolk, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Is Your Parent at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:36:25 GMT

Medical professionals believe that one out of every four people with diabetes don’t even know they have the disease. That amounts to around 7 million Americans who are completely unaware that they’re living with a serious condition. Type 2 diabetes is the most likely form of diabetes to strike older people, but it sometimes has no symptoms, which is why so many people don’t know they have it. So, could your elderly parent be at risk for Type 2 diabetes?

Risk Factors

There are several things that can put your parent at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Foundation recommends that people start being screened annually for diabetes at age 45, or sooner and more frequently if more than one of the following risk factors exist:

High blood pressure: People whose blood pressure is above 140/90 are at an increased risk.

Age: The risk of diabetes increases as people get older.

Obesity: People who are overweight are at a higher risk because excess fatty tissue makes cells more resistant to insulin.

Family history: Those who have a parent or sibling with diabetes are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, puts women at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Ethnicity: Those of certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African-Americans and Asian-Americans, have a higher risk.

Being inactive: Physical activity helps the body to utilize glucose and improves the way cells react to insulin.

Low HDL levels: People with lower levels of good cholesterol are at increased risk.

High triglycerides: Those with high triglyceride levels are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women who suffer from PCOS may develop Type 2 diabetes.

Reducing the Risk

Although some of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are beyond our control, other risk factors can be reduced or even eliminated. Remaining active is extremely important since it can help keep your parent at a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve the body’s ability to utilize insulin. Your parent’s elder care provider can assist with keeping your parent active by encouraging them to engage in activities like walking, exercise classes, or other things that require them to move. Eating a healthy diet is also important since it can improve cholesterol levels and control weight. Again, your parent’s elder care provider can be helpful since they can ensure your parent is eating healthy meals.

If you’re concerned about your parent’s risk for Type 2 diabetes, make an appointment with the doctor to have them tested as soon as possible. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through proper care and medication.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Rockland, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/risk-factors-for-diabetes#1

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-guide/type-2-diabetes-screening#1

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/risk-factors/con-20033091

Volunteer Organizations for you and your Aging Parent

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:23:05 GMT

As your parent becomes older and requires more assistance in order to age in their home, don’t feel like you have to provide all the support they need without any assistance. Being a primary family caregiver is a great source of inspiration and will provide wonderful memories for both you and your parent, but it can also be demanding and challenging. Making sure that your schedule leaves two days a week for you to partake in those activities that bring you great joy helps you remain refreshed and revitalized and lead a balanced life as you help your parent lead one as well.

Volunteering

Volunteer possibilities abound. Not only can they help support you and your parent, but encouraging your parent to volunteer can help them as well. In fact, studies have shown several benefits that those in their senior years accrue from volunteering. These include higher levels of well-being and lower rates of depression. The increased brain activity associated with volunteering shows a preservation of cognitive function. Perhaps the biggest benefit to your parent is the intangible—the sense of belonging and giving back to their community at large. And the time they’re volunteering offers you the time you need to rejuvenate and recharge.

Opportunities

There is a wealth of opportunities to volunteer within any community. From the local animal shelter to the hospital or a museum, there are many organizations that require volunteers just to sustain themselves. The Corporation for National & Community Service has several organizations with seniors in mind. These include Senior Corps, an organization that connects people who are 65 years of age and older with the organizations that need them. They may provide help as a mentor, a companion, a builder, or other areas that their community requires support. Where there is a need, a senior can often fill it.

Offerings

Just as your parent can benefit from the process of volunteering, you and your family can also gain support. There are often volunteer transportation services that communities provide for homebound seniors. Many communities have a volunteer food delivery system such as Meals on Wheels designed just for seniors in need. Your parent’s Area Agency on Aging can often point you in the right direction. Whether getting or giving back, volunteering offers a sense of belonging. It inspires those involved to live a better life in order to help support those they care for that are in need.

In-Home Care Provider

If you find you need assistance caring for your parent, consider the services of an in-home care provider. These professionals can assist with the daily activities of living as well as prepare meals, do the grocery shopping, provide transportation and companionship.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in Suffolk NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Keeping Pets Safe Outside in the Spring

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:21:50 GMT

Having a pet is a wonderful way to enhance your aging parent’s life and improve their health and well-being. With as much benefit as they can bring your aging loved one, it is easy to recognize why your loved one would want to put great effort into caring for their pet properly. A vital element of this is making sure that their pet remains safe. During the springtime months, your parent’s pet is likely to venture outside with them to get fresh air and sunlight. While this is healthy and beneficial for both of them, it can also pose a variety of serious risks that it is important to address.

Use these tips to help your loved one keep your pets safe outside in the spring:

Be aware of poisonous plants. Many of the flowers that you love to see during the spring months can be toxic to animals. Be particularly wary of lilies, which can be fatal if ingested.

Protect their skin. Animals can get sunburns, too, so make sure that they are properly protected. Provide shade for them to rest in when outside and talk to their vet about specialized sunscreen products designed for pets.

Avoid brush. Discourage your parent’s pet from exploring brush and lawn debris that might be leftover from the winter months. Rodents, insects, snakes, and other visitors might have taken up residence in these, putting them at risk of bites and stings.

Keep them bug-protected. It is a myth that fleas and ticks are only a problem during the summer months. These pests are around all year and as soon as the pets venture outside, they are at risk for experiencing them. Make sure that your parent’s pet is on the proper flea and tick preventative to prevent bites that can make them miserable and also put them at risk for infections and illnesses.

Starting senior care for your aging parent is an exceptional way for you to encourage your elderly loved one to live a more active, engaged, and fulfilling quality of life throughout their later years. The highly personalized set of services provided by a senior home care services provider is designed to address your loved one’s individual needs, challenges, and limitations as well as their personality, goals, and beliefs. This ensures that they can get everything that they need to stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy, while also pursuing independence, activity, and engagement for a lifestyle that is as fulfilling as possible as they age in place. It is important to note that senior care is not just for elderly adults who are struggling with serious health conditions or major limitations. Even those who are only dealing with moderate issues can benefit tremendously from the support, companionship, transportation, and other services offered by this type of care provider. When it comes to helping your senior care for their furry friends, this care provider can provide valuable assistance for challenging tasks such as walking, bathing, and brushing, and can offer reminders and encouragement to support routine and consistency. As a family caregiver this can help you to feel at ease knowing that they are getting what they need, and can relieve some of your stress so that you are able to focus more energy and attention on other obligations in your life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Chappaqua, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Source:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/springtime-safety-tips

Tips for Talking to Dad About Home Care

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:14:56 GMT

As an adult, it’s hard to admit you need help. Your dad’s pride is going to get in the way of admitting that he’s lonely or that he simply can’t do the same things he used to. There are gentle ways to get your dad to admit he needs home care. Here are a few of the best ways to discuss the needs for home care.

Focus on the Advantages

Bring up all the advantages your dad will gain if a home care professional comes to the home. Most older adults get tired of cooking their meals, vacuuming or sweeping floors, doing laundry, and changing linens. Point out that if home care came in, your dad would have help with the tiresome chores and have more time for fun activities.

Point Out How Home Care Keeps Him Independent

One of the biggest benefits to home care is the ability to remain at home. Make sure your dad knows that with a caregiver coming to the home, he retains his independence. He won’t move to a group home or your own house where he’d have to live by your rules. Home care enables him to stay in his home where he sets his own rules.

Ask a Trusted Professional for Help

The discussion to bring in outside help may go better if you have another person’s opinion. Make sure you chose someone your dad respects, such as a long-time family physician or religious leader of your dad’s church. Have that person sit down with you and discuss the benefits of having a professional come in to help with household tasks that have become a challenge.

Suggest a Trial Run

Make sure you emphasize that home care doesn’t have to be set in stone. Mention the myriad of ways he can have help at home and that services can be customized to meet his preferences. Suggest a trial run with a caregiver to start and see how your dad likes it for a week or two. If that caregiver doesn’t work for him, remind him that you can try other caregivers and schedules.

When you and your dad are ready, call a home care service to discuss his needs. Make sure he’s involved in the process and gets to ask every question he has. Involving him in the process is key to gaining his acceptance.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Westchester, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

May is the Better Hearing & Speech Month

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 22:08:04 GMT

May brings us Better Hearing & Speech Month. This obscure observation began back in 1927 in order to bring awareness about hearing loss and speech impediments and to the potential treatments. President Ronald Reagan made it official in 1986.

Awareness

This is a great reminder to make your parent’s yearly appointment with their audiologist. Loss of hearing can be difficult to detect, especially when taken into consideration with the other ailments your parent may be facing. Approximately 34 million Americans have hearing loss. Studies suggest that obtaining hearing aids can not only help your parent hear better and ease their frustration, but also keep their hearing from getting worse. Hearing aids help over 90 percent of those with hearing loss.

Reluctance

Your parent may be reluctant to obtain a hearing aid. This can be due to their past experience or watching their friends or loved ones become exasperated due to background noise or an intermittent buzzing. Fortunately, hearing aids have come a long way in recent years and continue to make advancements.

Digital noise reduction (DNR) has improved the ability to hear even when in a noisy environment. According to an article in The Hearing Review, “Advances in DNR should help the brain create an internal acoustic landscape which more accurately reflects and interprets the real-world acoustic environment, to provide an internal accurate ‘open acoustic landscape’ from which the brain can identify and change its focus as desired to maximally understand speech, even in a background of speech and non-speech noise.”

Studies to Help Support the Need for Hearing Aids

Studies suggest hearing loss can affect other areas of one’s life than just communication. A study conducted at Johns Hopkins revealed that a mild degree of hearing loss almost tripled the risk of falling.

Helping your Parent Adapt

The first few weeks can be trying as your parent’s brain and ears learn to adapt to hearing aids. It may even take many months before they become a part of their existence and, similar to glasses, don’t think twice about their presence. There are a few tried and true techniques that can make this process easier and less frustrating.

Begin by wearing the aid a few hours each day and in familiar surroundings. Avoid wearing them in noisy public environments.
Gradually build up to wearing them all the time you are awake.
Practice focusing on what you want to hear. For instance, if you’re listening to someone, focus on their words. It may take your brain time to differentiate between all the noises and what you are actually listening to.
In groups, focus on a single person and pay attention to their lips.
Practice by active listening when watching TV.
Don’t get frustrated. Like any new activity, this takes time to become comfortable with but it is well worth the effort.

Hiring an Elder Care Provider

If your loved one’s hearing loss or other physical ailments are keeping them from performing the everyday activities of living, consider obtaining the services of an elder care provider. They can assist with the daily tasks, provide transportation, and practice communication and active listening with your parent. Most importantly, they can provide the companionship so important to people as they navigate through the changes that aging brings.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in New York, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Resources

https://www.beltone.com/hearing-health/may-better-hearing-month.aspx

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_linked_to_three_fold_risk_of_falling

http://www.hearingreview.com/2016/05/paradigm-shift-hearing-aid-technology/

Ensuring Your Senior’s Eyes are Protected from the Sun

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:12:10 GMT

With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, many people are thinking about heading outside to enjoy some fresh air and activities. As a family caregiver this is a wonderful time for you to get your senior loved one more active and change up their routine after what might have been a long winter spent mostly indoors. When you are planning these activities, it is important that you take the time to make sure that your parent is properly protected. You likely already know the dangers that the sun poses to their skin and the importance of making sure that they wear the proper sunscreen on their skin when they are out of the house. It is vital, however, that you do not overlook the importance of protecting their eyes as well.

UVA and UVB rays can cause extensive damage to the eyes, including increased risk of a variety of eye diseases and potential for blindness. Properly protecting their eyes when they are going to be out in the sun is an important part of keeping your loved one active and engaged, but also safe and healthy.

Use these tips to help ensure that your aging parent’s eyes are properly protected when they are out in the sun:

Don’t just think summertime . Protect them at all times throughout the year rather than just in the summer, as UV rays exist during all seasons.
Cover up . Wear large-brimmed hats when going out into the sun to prevent the rays from affecting their eyes and also protecting their delicate facial skin from the damage of the sun.
Choose the right sunglasses . Donning sunglasses is an obvious way to reduce the risk of eye damage due to the sun, but it is important that you do not just choose any sunglasses. Look for glasses that wrap around the sides of the eyes to prevent rays from entering in at this angle. Make sure that the sunglasses are marked as protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

If you have found that your parent’s needs and challenges are more extensive than you can handle comfortably, or your own limitations or schedule have made it so that you are not managing your parent’s needs in the best way possible, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting home care for them. A care provider can be an exceptional way to ensure that your elderly parent’s individual needs are met in the way that is right for them and on the schedule that is best not just for them, but also for you as their primary caregiver. This can enable your senior to live a lifestyle that is more active, engaged, and fulfilling, while also permitting you to take a step back and focus more energy and attention on other obligations in your life, easing your stress and supporting a better quality of life for both of you. When it comes to important tasks such as making sure that they are properly protected from the sun when they go outside, this care provider can be a valuable source of support and reminders to help them make the decisions that are right for their needs and that will help them to stay healthy, comfortable, and safe as they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Darien, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

What Can You Do about a Loved One Who Is Less than Happy about Having a Caregiver?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:07:34 GMT

Some elderly loved ones are less happy about needing some extra help than you thought they would be. When all you want to do is help your loved one, but you’re getting a lot of negativity back, it can be difficult to function.

Understand Her Anger

Even if it’s difficult for you to deal with her anger, you may be able to understand it a bit. Your loved one’s life is changing and she’s losing a great deal of her independence. That kind of frustration can build up and lead her to take it out on the people who are closest to her. That doesn’t make it easy to accept, by any means, but it gives you a toehold for feeling empathy for your loved one.

Keep Her Safety in Mind

Above all else, your loved one’s safety is the most important part of caring for her. If you can keep your focus on your loved one’s safety, you can work around your loved one’s displeasure. Explain to your loved one that you’re concerned for her and that you only want to make sure that she’s safe.

Don’t Take it Personally

It’s easy to say, but you can’t take your loved one’s attitude about your help personally. Your loved one isn’t truly angry at you, but she’s more angry with the situation she’s in. If you can separate her actions and what she says from your relationship, things will be much easier for you to manage. It can help if you take some time away now and again. Work with senior care providers or other family members to take over for you when you’re taking a break.

Find a Solution that Works for Both of You

You may feel that your loved one needs to move in with you but she feels that she should stay in her own home. In such a situation, you’re going to have to find a compromise that works for both of you. For example, you might agree that your loved one stays at home, but she needs to agree to having senior care providers visiting every day. That helps her to keep what she wants, but also allows you to have a say, too.

As your loved one’s health changes, she may develop different views about having help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Chappaqua, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

5 Bathroom Upgrades for Aging Loved Ones

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 19:02:38 GMT

Houses need to change to fit whatever phase of life its occupants are in. Families with young children need their home to meet certain safety requirements, while empty nesters may desire their space arranged differently. With elderly care, there are parts of the home that may need remodeling to provide the best use. Few rooms need more remodeling for aging home owners than the bathroom. Physical limitations, age-related conditions, and more can turn a bathroom into a serious of obstacles that prevent the elderly from taking care of themselves.

Here are 5 ideas that should be incorporated into any bathroom remodel for the elderly:

1. Install a New Toilet

Getting up and down from a deep seated position can be tough for seniors with bad hips, knees and backs. There are a wide range of chair-height toilets available for installation that brings the seat of the commode several inches higher than a traditional one. This toilet should be installed by a professional, along with a support bar on one or both sides of it so that the senior can have sturdy places to grab.

2. New Tub Enclosure

Many seniors have difficulty with stepping up and over a tub wall. Lifting their legs and getting in and out of a tub/shower combo can lead to a painful slip and fall accident. Some people choose to take out the bathtub completely and replace it with a walk-in shower, while others choose to install a walk-in tub. These specialty tubs have a door and built-in seat so seniors can easily get in, get clean, and step out again.

3. Threshold-free Shower

A lot of shower designs have sliding glass doors or metal and tile thresholds that stick up by several inches from the floor. That threshold, plus the small opening for seniors and caregivers have to access the shower head, make it difficult to maneuver. A senior-friendly bathroom remodel could include a threshold-free shower space or wet room. For a wet room, the shower area is not enclosed by a door or curtain. Instead, splash guards are installed to keep water off the floor.

4. Movable Shower Heads

When showering, people twist and turn to get the water to go where they want it to. For seniors, moving around on a slippery surface is a bad idea. A handheld shower head or one that is affixed to a telescoping arm allows seniors to direct the water as desired, lowering their chances of slipping and falling. They are especially useful when combined with a shower stool that lets the senior sit in the shower and position themselves within the stream of water for maximum effect.

5. Wheelchair-friendly Sinks

Many sinks look beautiful but they are not very friendly to seniors that are in wheelchairs, electric scooters or walkers. Cabinet-style sinks don’t have any room around them for these devices, causing the senior to have to bend over to use it. Bending can throw an elderly person off-balance and cause them to fall. Pedestal sinks and cutaway sinks are easier for seniors with wheelchairs, scooters and walkers to get close to the basin and faucets.

Elderly care is full of challenges, but the bathroom doesn’t have to be one of them. When your elderly loved one has trouble taking care of themselves in the bathroom, it may be time for a remodel.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Greenwich, CT contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Signs in Your Parent’s Kitchen That They Might be Suffering from Alzheimer’s

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:56:26 GMT

If you are like most family caregivers, one of the issues that you are most concerned about in your care journey is the possibility that your elderly parent will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Not being vigilant about this possibility or not taking the steps to be aware of it, however, puts your aging loved one at greater risk. It is vital that you be aware of your parent’s health and well-being, and strive to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so that together you can make the decisions about their care and management that are right for them.

One of the simplest ways to possibly detect the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease is to evaluate their home. This can help you to identify behaviors or issues that might indicate that they are dealing with a decline in their cognitive functioning. This allows you to bring them in for the proper diagnosis and get on the course of management and treatment that is most appropriate for their particular needs.

Some signs in your aging loved one’s kitchen that your loved one might be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Dishes that are not done. A sink full of dirty dishes that appear to have been there for quite some time might indicate that your loved one no longer remembers the importance of washing their dishes or how to wash them.

• Trash that is not taken out. Trash that has built up in your parent’s trash can might indicate that they have forgotten which day their trash is picked up, think that their trash has just been picked up and should not bring it back out yet, or has forgotten what to do with it.

• Spoiled food. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease tend to be at higher risk of contracting a foodborne illness or infection because of this particular issue. They might no longer remember how to store food properly or might not understand food expiration dates. This can lead them to eat food that is not safe, putting their health at serious risk. Check their refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets for food that is expired, spoiled, or stored in the wrong place.

If your elderly loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you are concerned about their health or safety when they are in their home alone, or you simply feel that they would benefit from additional care and support, now may be the ideal time to consider starting home care for them. Caring for an elderly adult with Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging, but the highly personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider can ease your stress and help ensure your elderly parent gets all of the care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need to help them through their progression. This includes being with them on a customized schedule. Whether they need extensive care and you live at a distance or they only need some moderate support and you can be with them much of the time, this customization allows both of you to feel confident that they will get exactly what they need to stay as healthy, comfortable, safe, and happy as possible throughout their later years.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Nassau, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Source

http://www.alz.org/facts/

How Can You Most Effectively Talk to Your Boss about Caregiving and What You Need?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:50:48 GMT

It can be pretty scary to talk to your boss about changing up anything to do with your job, especially if you’re doing so because your caregiving needs are taking a higher priority. Here are some tips for being prepared for that talk.

Ask Yourself How Much You’re Comfortable Sharing

Many people don’t share a lot about their private life at work. Or, if they do, it’s with a coworker with whom they’re close. Talking to your boss about your situation may feel extremely awkward. Before you open the conversation, decide what your limit is and how much you’re willing to share. This removes some of the pressure.

Get Clear about Your Job Duties and Description

If you’re not already crystal clear on your existing duties and your job description, get a copy in writing from your human resources department. By starting with what’s expected of you, you’re able to laser focus on what your needs outside of work are and how changes to your current duties can help facilitate that.

Get Clear about What You Need from Your Employer

You also need to get very clear and specific about what you need from your employer. If it’s flexible time off or the ability to work at home, the more specific you can be, the better. Your employer is going to need you to be able to explain how those needs are going to help you and the business at the same time.

Approach the Conversation with Suggestions

Coming into this conversation with a vague request for help is likely not going to get you the response that you want. It’s much better to have a handful of suggestions that you can put on the table. If you don’t ask, then the answer is already “no.” At least if you make the suggestion you might get at least a part of what you want.

Make “Flexibility” Your Motto

Look for ways to make your caregiving life as flexible as you can so that you can meet your employer halfway. This might mean hiring elder care providers to take over for you or having neighbors or other family members fill in when you can’t be there. Even if they are only filling in for an hour or so, that can be enough to give you the flexibility that you need.

You don’t have to go into the conversation with all of the answers, but it helps to have some ideas ready to go.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in New York, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

The Risks and Rehabilitation of a Stroke

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:34:30 GMT

It happens suddenly and often without warning. Your loved one’s words become twisted and incomprehensible. Their arm becomes weak and their smile looks as if it is falling off to one side. They are having a stroke and you have a three hour window in which to get them a life-saving clot-busting drug, t-PA. You don’t hesitate—you call 9-1-1 . Because of your quick response, your parent has an excellent recovery just three months later with no side effects.

This is a much different scenario than occurs for most of the 795,000 stroke victims a year in America. According to an article in NPR, only one-third of stroke victims are thought to be eligible for this wonder drug that restores blood flow and prevents much of the permanent damage. Of this number, fewer than five percent actually receive the drug. The three hour window is crucial because, if given too late, it raises the risk of brain hemorrhage. A European study revealed that half of stroke patients who received t-PA were left with no or few disabilities.

Limiting the Risk & Rehabilitation

The good news is that if your parent has experienced a stroke that has left them with disabilities, they may still show improvement. New medical procedures and techniques have dispelled the notion that strokes are untreatable. Better yet, as the medical communities understanding increases, it has been determined that reducing these risk factors can prevent more than half of all strokes.

Stop smoking . Smoking doubles one’s risk of a stroke by injuring the arterial walls and hardening the arteries. For help for those over 60, check out the government sponsored website: SmokeFree 60+. This excellent resource offers tips, tools, suggestions and online support.
Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol in check . High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. It damages arterial walls and leads to the formation of clots. Blood sugar damages arteries and causes circulation problems. Excess cholesterol forms plaque on arterial walls, eventually leading to blood vessels that are completely blocked. If need be, change your lifestyle. Consider making small changes in your diet until you are eating foods similar to that described in the Mediterranean diet. Begin with a few 10 minute walks per day until you are exercising for at least 30 minutes at least 5 days per week.

If a stroke has occurred that has left its mark, know that improvement can often be achieved with rehabilitation. In fact, approximately 80 percent of all stroke survivors can be helped.

Caring for a Loved One

As a family caregiver, you will face challenges caring for a loved one following a stroke. Its sudden impact can leave family and friends uncertain of the next required steps. One person will need to be your parent’s medical advocate—obtaining all information from various health care professionals and relaying it to the rest of the family. If your parent needs rehabilitation and it has not been provided, the advocate’s voice could make the difference. If you have been deemed the primary family caregiver, you will need to coordinate home care as well as physical and possible speech therapy. Transportation and the completion of everyday tasks will need to be considered. Complete a written schedule so you can determine your parent’s needs and who can fill them. Consider family, friends, the community at large and home care providers. These professionals who can assist with everyday tasks and provide companionship, have cared for countless seniors facing the consequence of a stroke and the task of rehabilitation.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in Rockland, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Resources

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121032269

https://www.caregiver.org/stroke

Living with Huntington’s Disease

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:27:54 GMT

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary condition that affects the brain. It leads to a deterioration of the nerve cells, which gradually leads to a complete breakdown of the processes in the brain. It is an incurable disease, and usually presents itself in middle age, with the person having around twenty years to live after a diagnosis.

Unlike many illnesses today, a diagnosis of Huntington’s is, tragically, a fatal one. What many people don’t realize, though, is that there are many things that you can do to help your loved one with Huntington’s live a better, healthier, more comfortable life as the illness progresses.

If your loved one suffers from Huntington’s, you and/or their senior care aide can follow these steps to make their life easier:

Communication assistance – As Huntington’s progresses, it gets harder for the person to speak, and even to swallow. Thus, they will need some help communicating. Speech therapy can help with both speaking and with problems swallowing, as it helps with memory and with keeping muscles stronger. Alternatively, you or your senior care aide could make charts with words or pictures that your loved one can point at when they need something like food or a drink, without having to speak.
Home improvements – Some modifications are necessary if your loved one is going to continue to live at home with Huntington’s. They might begin to have balance problems, trouble walking, or other issues that make it difficult and even dangerous to get around the house. Put rails on the sides of the bed and tub, to help them to get in and our more easily, and make sure that they cannot slip and fall on floors or carpets, or out of chairs.
Meals – In the very late stages of Huntington’s, eating is impossible, and a feeding tube must be inserted into the person’s stomach (unless they object to this, which is something they should make clear in advance). Before this, though, people with Huntington’s should eat a diet that is very high in calories, and in food that is easy to chew and swallow. It is very important to help them to eat, as choking is one of the main dangers of Huntington’s. Each bite must be small enough to get down easily, as this also aids in digestion. There are also special straws and placemats available that will help them with the mechanics of eating.

Huntington’s is, in fact, a fatal diagnosis. However, the illness is gradual, meaning that there is still time for your loved one to get some living in. You and/or your senior care aide can use the tips above to help them not only to live more comfortably, but to live more happily as well. Staying in their own home or the family home as long as possible is most likely everyone’s hope. If you make these few modifications, and perhaps hire a senior care aide or home care aide if necessary, your loved one can stay in the home much longer, and thusly have higher spirits.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in New York, NY , contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!

Source:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Huntingtons-disease/Pages/lifestyle.aspx

Caring for a Parent with Vision Loss

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:24:01 GMT

It can be difficult watching a parent as they navigate through their elderly years. While some milestones fill a child with rapture—such as the excitement their parent experiences after doing something their heart desires after years of putting it off—other moments can be heart wrenching. Watching as your parent losses part or all of their vision is one of those very long moments. The good news: there are many who have gone before you as caregivers of parent’s whose sight has diminished. Follow these tips that have worked in the past to help your parent thrive in the future.

The Cause

It doesn’t really matter what the cause is. If your parent’s sight is diminishing, both of you are aware of the severity of the loss and are seeking treatment to limit the progression as much as possible. Many of the diseases that can rob a person’s sight—glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts—are considered “thieves in the night,” offering little to no symptoms until loss of sight is evident and irreversible. Once found, there are medications, diet and exercise programs that can often slow down the progression of the disease and help limit the effects on vision. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect these diseases early enough to limit damage.

How to Help

Sign them up for a sight rehabilitation program. Though your parent will not get their sight back, they will learn invaluable techniques that will help them discover how to safely live independently.
Make their home safe. This is accomplished by making sure all common used pathways throughout their home are cleared of any tripping or slipping hazards such as throw rugs or impeding furniture. Contrast helps your parent with what vision they have remaining. Using this concept, place yellow strips at the edge of stairs and paint door and window frames a contrasting color to the wall. Make sure their home is exceptionally well lit and consider installing motion sensor lighting.
Help them join a support group. Your parent is likely going through a wide range of emotions. Joining a group in which others know what they are going through and can offer suggestions as well as companionship does wonders for a person experiencing this type of loss.
Help them around the house while letting them be as self-reliant as possible. This is a fine line and one that will be navigated in countless ways a number of times. Having a heart-to-heart talk can help diminish your parent’s fears. Letting them know that you do not consider the valuable time spent with them a burden can do wonders for their esteem.
Get additional help. Your parent will require time to adapt and learn a new set of life skills. During this time, consider hiring an elderly care provider who can assist with the everyday activities of living while still helping your parent to remain as independent as possible. They also provide transportation and run errands. Your parent will come to not only appreciate the help, but cherish the companionship.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Westchester, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899 . Call today!