Assessment sets the stage to improve life at home
Many people don’t realize homecare providers offer an important service even before care commences. Our not-for-profit designates a registered nurse to conduct an assessment to help prospective clients and family members consider a care plan that meets their needs. In...
Consider preferences, routines for memory loss family, friends
Struggling with memory loss is extremely frustrating, both for those afflicted and their caregivers. Approximately 5.8 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. About 1.7 million suffer from vascular dementia. Still others struggle with memory...
Tips for enjoying the great outdoors
Without question, spending time outdoors enhances our ability to heal and maintain physical and emotional health. Architectural design studies even show that people exposed to greenery and sunlight in common spaces report improvements in health and well-being. So, go...
Water, the staff of life
If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. And if you live alone, chances are you don’t drink a full glass of water with meals as you might when family members join you. You also may only sip water when taking medications to avoid bathroom trips later. Because our...
This Mother’s Day, choose the gift of independence for your Mom
Flowers are lovely, but they soon fade. Chocolates are satisfying, but they’re gone all too soon. The gift of living independently, however, is more lasting. Spending time with your Mom on her special Sunday, offers a great opportunity to find out how she is doing...
Cleanliness important to health
Bathing regularly is important for maintaining physical and emotional health. A decline in personal hygiene may signal someone is struggling to care for themselves. The causes can be many—chronic pain from arthritis, injury, tenderness from surgery, loss of...
Medication reminders: tips to stay on track
More than 12 million older Americans live alone. Those in their late 60s take as many as 14 prescriptions daily. The abundance of pills correlates to chronic diseases requiring multiple medications, according to the National Council on Aging. Skipping medications or...
Chronic Conditions: quality of life challenges
If you have COPD, you are among 80 percent of adults age 65 and older who struggle with chronic conditions that negatively impact their ability to live independently, according to the National Council on Aging. In addition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
Homecare: when Mom needs help
If you think your mother is struggling to maintain her independence, talking with her about it on the phone isn’t enough. She’ll probably insist everything is fine. Plan a visit to see her circumstances for yourself. When you visit, consider: Is she well groomed? Is...
Nutrition: tips for eating well
If you are older and live alone, it’s not uncommon to lose your appetite for nutritious food. This can be serious. Ask yourself: Am I losing weight? Are my clothes getting loose? Do I feel weak? Am I eating at least two good meals a day? Just shopping for groceries...