Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

As the first wave of Baby Boomers begin to enter their 60’s the prospect of needing care in the future for such a large number of people has become a heavily debated subject. This need inspired Heart of a Caregiver,a new campaign that Home Instead Senior Care is launching as a resource for the aging population and their potential CAREGivers to unite and lead the industry in quality care giving. By educating the public of this issue Home Instead Senior Care hopes to spark the interest and recruit a diverse group of CAREGivers to eliminate the “one-size-fits-all” approach and provide care that is adaptable to the changing needs of the aging.

The goal of the program is to find the highest quality of CAREGivers by going into the community and attending job fairs and expos as well as radio broadcasting. Retention will be achieved through continuous training as well as the necessary tools and networks for CAREGivers that will eliminate stress, show appreciation and understanding for the role of a CAREGiver. The result is to create extraordinary relationships between the CAREGiver and the families they work for.

When visiting an older adult over the holidays, or in the New Year, families need to be prepared to appropriately handle any signs that the senior is struggling. According to Dr. Harwood, there are a number of ways to do it right; complete the following checklist to learn if you can productively handle your holiday visit.

• You know that their home might signify negative changes – unopened bills, clutter, or an under stocked fridge may indicate that they’re struggling to keep up with the responsibilities at home.
• You are prepared for no change or positive changes within their homes – they might have assistive devices, which can indicate that they are accepting and coping well with the aging process.
• You will do your best not to overact and will not try to do too much too soon, no matter what you witness.
• You know that the aging process is not always responsible for changes in a senior, so you take the chance to talk and learn what’s really been happening in their life. This helps you learn if they’ve recently lost a friend, experienced a health change, or begun taking new medications.
• You consider how you would like to be treated if you were in a similar situation.
• After learning why the senior is experiencing these changes, you help them find simple solutions.

Jake Harwood, Professor Department of Communication, University of Arizona

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Caregiving Decisions

Q1 – Why might family caregivers choose not to involve seniors in decisions that impact their own lives?
A1 – Sometimes it can be challenging for seniors to make decisions or gain access to needed resources based on the physical, mental and emotional limitations. In these cases, sometimes a caregiver might find it easier to make the decision themselves.

Q2 – Should seniors be involved in making decisions?
A2 – Absolutely, while they may not be able to make them single-handedly dependent upon their abilities, caregivers can assist them with the decision-making process and setup situations where they’ll be successful.

Q3 – How can caregivers involve seniors in effective decision making?
A3 – If making big decisions are too overwhelming for seniors, caregivers can complete the necessary research and use resources in order to present seniors with the top suitable options. By preventing a senior with the best choices regarding a professional caregiver, community living facility or investment opportunity; families can ensure that their senior makes a good choice no matter what, while allowing the senior to be involved with the process.

Q4 – Can this decision-making structure be used for minor day-to-day decisions as well?
A4 – For seniors who find it overwhelming to decide what to wear or what to have for dinner, a caregiver can provide them with two or three options to choose from.

Q5 – Are there any legal ways seniors can ensure their voices are heard?
A5 – It’s important for older adults to draft up Living Wills and appoint a Power of Attorney while they are still able to make their wishes with regards to healthcare, asset management and more. This will ensure that their families, doctors and legal professionals follow the senior’s requirements, even if they can’t speak for themselves.

Source: http://assisted-living.aplaceformom.com/articles/eldercare-decision-and-guilt/

You Don’t Have to Be Alone For the Holidays

No matter what your age, you are never too old to find romance, or form new friendships; and what better time to find this connection than over the holidays when people naturally come together. Whether you are single by choice or a widower, you can find a fulfilling bond with another person which might last the season, or last a lifetime.

During the holidays, there are many social events and community get-togethers that give seniors the opportunity to mix and mingle. Don’t over do it, but do RSVP to a select few events where you know you will feel comfortable and try to expand your social network. It can be easy to socialize strictly with the people that you already know, but try and expand your horizons and get to know others in attendance. Don’t stress about making conversation, just talk about whatever comes naturally to you; you can discuss holiday plans, your grandchildren, or your favorite social activities. After all, for someone to have the potential to become a valued part of your life, they should have a genuine interest in what’s important to you.

If you enjoy entertaining, you can expand your social network by hosting a party and having friends and family bring along guests that you are not familiar with. For fun activities during the party, you can even play icebreaker games that allow you and your guests to get to know each other better. Follow up with a thank you note after the event to let each of your new friends know that their presence in your home was appreciated.

Another great way to meet new people and give back to the community at the same time is to volunteer. Over the holidays there is a greater need for people to help the less fortunate; you can volunteer at a local shelter, toy drive or other charity event. You may find that you form close bonds with your fellow volunteers, or create important connections with those you are helping.

No one has to be alone over the holidays, and by getting out there and networking this year, you too can make sure you have a happy holiday surrounded by those you care about.

Staging a Holiday Caregiver Intervention

We all know someone who may seem inhumanly efficient; always able to multi-task, willing to take on more and more responsibility, and never slowing down. There are caregivers who fall into this category as well; and while we might envy the endurance of these people, we don’t realize the toll that this lifestyle can have upon their lives. Over the holidays, with even more to accomplish, these people may spiral out of control and forget to celebrate and take in the joy of the season. If this sounds like someone you know, it may be time to stage a holiday intervention.

The first step is to have your loved one understand that they don’t have to do it all alone. They have people who care for them that can help them manage their responsibilities. Family members can help with holiday shopping, decorating, cooking and baking; family and friends can assist with respite care for the senior being cared for, or a professional caregiver can be hired to step in and help.

The caregiver should also be encouraged to make time for his or herself, by relaxing with a glass of wine, basking in front of a warm fireplace while holiday music plays, or simply getting to bed early. It’s important for them to understand they don’t need to do it all to make people happy; the people they care about will be satisfied to see them enjoying the season.

A caregiver who feels that they are responsible for carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, may need help learning to slow down. So this year, as the holidays approach, intervene and remind them just where their priorities should lie.

Source: http://homehealthcarebooks.com/healthcareblog/2007/12/19/holiday-help-relieving-caregivers%E2%80%99-stress/

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Most family caregivers don’t do what they do because they think it will be easy or fun; they provide care because of their love for a senior and concern over their health. Caregivers will have an easier time coping with the challenges, if they have an understanding of what to expect.

Physical Challenges

• Caregivers may be responsible for most or all of the light and heavy housework, which can become trying especially when combined with their own responsibilities at home

• Caregivers often need to help seniors with limited mobility, which can involve lifting and moving them. If  a caregiver is not physically strong they may injure themselves or the senior

Mental Challenges

The challenges referred to here, are those that a senior’s mental issues may present to a caregiver.
• Caregivers may have to learn new skills to manage medications

• Caregivers often need to take responsibility over a senior’s financing

• Caregivers also need to make adjustments to a home for safety, and plan activities appropriate for the senior

Financial Challenges

• Caregivers may have to take on some form of financial obligation to assist the senior, since often senior’s with health limitations have used a lot of their funds paying for medical costs

• Sometimes caregivers, like their senior, may use a great deal of their savings and financial resources to fund healthcare or other costs related to senior care

Emotional Challenges

• Caregivers may find it difficult to deal with the physical and mental changes that come with a health decline of their beloved family member

• Family caregivers can feel conflicting emotions ranging from affection, frustration, anger, sadness and guilt

• It can also be a big emotional challenge to try and convince a family member to take caregiving help; or deal with the emotions that come with having someone rely on you fully

Source: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sec2/ch15/ch15a.html

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Preventing Loneliness and Encouraging Safety

When you live in the same city as your parent, you may stop by their house regularly just to see how they’re doing or to get in some one-on-one time. It’s a great way to keep tabs on how they’re managing a lifestyle of independent living. But what can you do when you aren’t lucky enough to live close to your aging parents?

You can hire a professional caregiver, or request the help of a family friend or neighbor. Having someone come by to check on your parents, will help you learn if they are having any challenges in their life; if their health is declining; or if they’ve had an increasing number of falls or other accidents. These are often areas which you can’t necessarily get information about just by talking on the phone; parents are often reluctant to worry you with their problems, especially when you live far away. Having others stop by, also offers seniors with a sense of companionship and gives them someone local to turn to.

Often children who live long distances from their aging parents feel a sense of guilt for not always being there for them. By setting up a caregiving arrangement or asking for a friend’s help, your parents will know that you are thinking about their well-being. But remember, even though you have provided parents with a support system you need to maintain a strong presence in their lives.

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Holiday Visits: Knowing your Loved One is Okay

The holidays are a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the season. For many families with aging members, it can be a rare occasion that allows them to check in and see how their loved one is okay. Detecting elder care issues when living a long distance away can be challenging, so without distracting from the holiday celebrations, quietly assess the senior’s lifestyle and physical health to make sure no issues are occurring when you visit.

Below are 10 signs to look for which may indicate a problem. Many are applicable whether the senior in your life is living independently or a community care facility.

1. The senior is becoming socially isolated and stays at home
2. They seem to be struggling to keep up with chores
3. Communication skills are visibly declining
4. Neglecting responsibilities; bills or mail are unopened
5. They appear unkempt, hygiene is poor
6. They have lost a substantial amount of weight for no reason
7. There are unused prescription medications in the home
8. Bruises are visible on their body, possible indicating falls or injuries
9. They are showing signs of confusion or disorientation
10. You have a feeling things just aren’t quite right

After you return home have a family or friend check in, call your loved one regularly and ensure they visit a physician on a regular basis to monitor their well-being.

Source: http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/10-signs-a-senior-needs-assistance

Home Instead Senior Care - Home Care Dallas - Helps family caregivers cope with elder care stress. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Stress Management Techniques for Elder Care

One of the most challenging things to balance when caregiving for a loved one is trying to balance work, children, your social life, and all the responsibilities that come with the territory. I remember at the time that I was caregiving for my father, I was dealing with a spouse in Iraq, raising two children and a dog, work, and running a household. To say I was stressed out is an understatement!

To help one cope, here are some tips for avoiding and managing caregiver stress from the experts on the Home Instead Senior Care Advisory Board:

* Work out

* Meditate

* Ask for help

* Take a break

* Eat well

* Take care of yourself

* Indulge

* Support

I realize that when you see these tips at times, it’s all easier said than done. If you start to put yourself as a priority, and just make a little time every day to do something for you, the pay off will be amazing for both you and your senior.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
-  Lucille Ball

Home Instead Senior Care - Home Care Dallas - Call us today at 972-239-3934.

Caregiver Stress in Dallas - Signs that you are stressed out

Many people who care for their loved ones adapt to naturally giving a huge amount of time and energy for the sake of the one you love. If you are one of these people, do you ever stop to wonder if you are giving too much? How would you know if you are finally reaching the point of not caring about YOU anymore?

• Some signs of stress are:
• Withdrawal - you may find yourself withdrawing from family and/or friends. Also, not participating in the hobbies you once enjoyed is a sign.
• Difficulty sleeping - If you are having a hard time falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
• Exhaustion - Feeling tired from everyday tasks and the feeling that there is not enough time to get things done.
• Lack of Concentration - Feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and what needs to be done.
• Weight Loss/Gain - Loss of appetite, or eating to comfort yourself is indicators that you are under stress.
• Drinking or Smoking - If you find yourself turning to this as an outlet, realize it isn’t a healthy way to deal with your feelings.
• Head Aches and Stomach Problems - You can start to feel physically ill if you are stressed out
• Sick More Often - If you are stressed out, your body can’t fight off illnesses and viruses as well.

When you start to identify with these signs, you know it is time to sit back for a minute and evaluate your situation. In this series, we will go over a number of techniques to help you cope and conquer stress.