Many people in Austin who become family caregivers believe that they are doing their loved one a favor, because rather than hiring a professional home caregiver which can make seniors feel like they’re losing independence; receiving care from a family member can make seniors feel like they’re just spending quality time with someone they love. Of course, this is not the reality; but beyond the illusion that sometimes comes with family care, there are also potential safety implications. Very few family caregivers receive training in proper safety techniques for senior caregiving; methods to identify hazards in the home and recognizing signs or symptoms of serious illness.

While family caregivers feel that they’re doing their loved one a favor by saving them from the indignity of losing independence by accepting help from someone who isn’t family, they might really be doing them a disservice. Instead of choosing a family caregiver for a senior, consider hiring Home Instead Senior Care in Austin to provide home care services. Professional caregivers are trained in the following:

• Safe caregiving techniques

• Identifying signs and symptoms of potential illness

• Alzheimer’s care

Sources:

1. Seniors Daily
2. Home Instead Senior Care

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Q - I recently read that Vitamin D can help prevent bone fractures for seniors, and with the beautiful summer weather beginning in Austin I would like to encourage my elderly father to focus on more outdoor activities so that he can receive the benefits of the summer sun. I am also aware, however, that the sun can have detrimental effects upon a senior’s health if they are not careful, is there anything I can do to ensure that my father receives the benefits of Vitamin D from the sunlight without harming his health in other ways?

A – As with anything that’s both good and bad for you, it’s all about moderation and protection when it comes to senior sun exposure. To ensure that your father receives only the benefits of sunlight, while protecting his health, consider the following tips:

• Seniors should expose themselves to direct sunlight only for short spurts, taking cover in between in shady areas

• Seniors should dress in loose, light clothing to allow maximum airflow, and keep a hat to protect their head from the sun

• Seniors should remain well hydrated with cold water, and other juicy snacks

• Physical exercise should be kept moderate on days with extreme heat

• Seniors should be aware of the signs of sun stroke or heat exhaustion, remove themselves from the sun, and seek medical attention if they don’t feel well due to sun exposure

• Seniors should remember their sunscreen!

Sources:

1. Health and Age
2. CBC
3. CBC

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Q – We recently hired a home caregiver in Austin to help our elderly mother out at home, and she’s asked for some suggestions on activities that my mom might like doing with her. I have made a few suggestions, but I’m wondering if there are any activities that you’d recommend for a senior with limited physical mobility?

A – Think about suggesting digital photography as an activity that can bridge the generational gap (if there is one) between your elderly mother and her senior home caregiver which is also appropriate for seniors of any mobility level. Digital photography combines a technological educational element, combined with creativity. They can choose to photograph just about anything, and can even get creative by taking pictures of things found around the home at different angles and with different lighting. Or they can venture outside to use important people in their lives as subjects; even taking action shots while watching the grandchildren enjoying themselves outside this summer.

With digital photography, the opportunities for things to take pictures of are endless, and seniors and caregivers can come together to enjoy a mutual hobby that surpasses the generations.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. eHow

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

When choosing an Austin home care agency to provide care for an aging loved one, it’s important that families know exactly what they’re getting themselves into. There are a significant number of agencies out there that can place senior care specialists in the home of a senior, and they come at all price points. However, don’t be fooled by some of the home care agencies that promise the world at a lower price, because you’ll encounter more complications than its worth in many cases that can compromise the level of care received by your loved one.

Many home care registries operate in Austin and around the country; but they’re not to be confused with licensed home care agencies. These home care registries hire their senior care specialists as private contractors rather than employees which can be convoluted when it comes to dealing with the taxes and legalities surrounding hiring a caregiver from a registry. While some of these home care organizations charge less strictly for connecting families with caregivers, families may be responsible for paying taxes, workman’s compensation and other aspects. Some home care registries do cover these costs, but since caregivers under their wing are licensed contractors only, there can be some serious legal and financial repercussions which can drain the family of all resources if a workman’s compensation claim is made after the caregiver has had an accident or injury on the job.

By hiring a caregiver from a licensed home care agency like Home Instead Senior Care, all caregivers are employees of the company, categorized as “nurses and other healthcare workers who travel”. Based on this categorization, fees might be higher, but Home Instead takes care of all of the dirty work; paying all taxes and fees, with no repercussions to the senior’s family should the caregiver have an accident.

It may be tempting during times of financial crisis to pinch pennies in all areas of life, but when it comes to senior home care, you get what you pay for; so if you want quality care with no legal ramifications, go with a licensed home care agency, and you’ll have no regrets.

Sources:

1. Gilbert Guide

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

How do you know when it’s time for your Austin senior to seek in home senior care help? While there are a number of ways that a professional caregiver can benefit seniors by helping them out around their Austin homes, there are some seniors that are prime candidates for care who can also benefit the most from the senior care services.

• Seniors who struggle with Activities of Daily Living – seniors who struggle with dressing, bathing, preparing meals, taking their medications, or keeping up with chores around the home are ideal candidates for in-home senior care

• Seniors with declining mobility – seniors who are having changes with their balance and mobility may be at a greater risk of falling or having an accident in the home when trying to perform ADLs . By hiring a caregiver, safety issues can be addressed and prevented through additional help

• Seniors who have had to give up driving – seniors who no longer drive for whatever reason, would greatly benefit from the help of a caregiver who can take them to run errands or to appointments

• Seniors who don’t have family nearby – seniors who have the above problems but do not have family nearby to help them can benefit from in home care when there’s no one else out there to help them

• Seniors who have come out of the hospital or rehab – after seniors have been released from the hospital or rehab program and are in recovery, it’s better for seniors to have the help of a caregiver so they don’t put too much of a burden on their bodies by trying to care for themselves or their homes

• Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia – safety may be an issue for seniors who struggle with their memories

Sources:

1. Elder Issues

1. Elder Issues  Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Q – Why do Austin seniors suffer elder abuse in silence?

A – While to outsiders, it may seem like there’s an easy answer for those who suffer from elder abuse; don’t put up with it! But for Austin seniors who are victims of elder abuse, scenarios are far more complex than we could ever imagine from the outside looking in. It is true that many seniors suffer in silence, and it’s because they live in fear of the repercussions if they tell someone about the abuse their experiencing. Their fears, however, are not typically based in the concern that the abuse might get worse, but that telling someone might take the abuser out of their life forever. Often seniors find themselves abused by the hands of their own senior caregivers, and many times, the person responsible for their care and abuse alike is a family member. Many seniors fear that by talking about the abuse, the caregiver will leave which will change the senior’s lifestyle drastically. For many seniors, the option is care at home with a family member, or moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility where they fear they’ll suffer an even worse fate by way of an ultimate loss of independence. For many seniors, it’s a better option to take the abuse and continue to suffer in silence.

Sources:

Planning for Eldercare

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Q1 – How does the economic recession affect the health of Austin seniors?

A1 – Elderly Americans are under the same stresses as the rest of us; if not more, due to their limited fixed incomes. However, stress can take a greater toll on the health of a senior. In addition to depression and anxiety, seniors can find themselves with weakened immune systems which can result in the onset of a variety of illnesses, including cancer.

Q2 – Can Austin seniors prevent illness resulting from the stress of the financial crisis?

A2 – While they may not be able to take complete control over the financial affects; it is possible to reduce the level of stress and the affects upon health. Through diet, exercise, support groups, and simply taking enjoyment in day-to-day activities can help prevent or manage stress so that it minimizes the toll upon health.

Q3 – Is there any way for seniors in Austin to help prevent the financial affects of the economic decline?

A3 – No matter what the age, that’s the question that all of America is looking for the answer to! The best advice is to manage money wisely, and for seniors, that might involve asking for help from a family member or financial advisor to ensure their finances go as far as possible.

Sources:

1. The American Institute of Stress

2. The Mayo Clinic

Image: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

While it may be a perception that Austin seniors have no reason to worry and cope with stresses that can be detrimental to their health, the reality is that with retirement there can come a great deal of emotional stress that can lead many American seniors to worry their way into an early grave. Sure, it may seem like retirement is all about margaritas on the beach, and leisurely visits with grandchildren and family; but even seniors who have left behind the stresses of direct family responsibility and careers have a great deal to worry about.

Seniors lead lives filled with the unexpected; with fixed incomes their financial stability is often uncertain; they worry about finding the finances to fund their medical needs; and they’re constantly coping with change, like the loss of a close friend or spouse which can turn their world upside-down and trigger stress. With all of these worries on their mind at all times, seniors can suffer from chronic stress and chronic worry which can ultimately lead to health problems.

In order to cope with these anxieties and manage their stress so it doesn’t have a detrimental impact on their health, Austin seniors should choose activities that are physical in nature to help reduce tension and keep blood pressure low. The elderly can also cope with stress by engaging in activities that they enjoy; simply spending time with family, or doing an activity that puts a smile on their face can ensure that stress is coped with before it leads them to an early grave.

Sources:

1. SeniorJournal.com

2. Associated Content

3. The American Institute of Stress

Image: Image: www.absmentalhealth.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

It’s spring in Austin, and you know what that means? Time to start your spring cleaning! This year, when you go through each of the rooms in your house to declutter and get rid of items that you no longer need, keep that important senior in your life in mind. Seniors on a limited budget might find treasure in what you conceive as trash from every room in your home.

When going through your wardrobe and cleaning out your closest, consider the clothing items that you could donate to your elderly mother or grandmother. While you might feel some of the items are outdated because they no longer meet the season’s trends, the senior in your life might be concerned more about function than fashion. If you are looking to get rid of furniture during spring cleaning, this also might be appreciated by a senior. Even a gently worn couch can be brought to life with a creative slip cover and a few cushions, so to a senior, it’s like getting all new furniture.

If during your spring cleaning you decide it’s time to trade up your home electronics, like a computer, television or CD player to something more technologically advanced, don’t throw them away! While a senior might not invest in modern technologies, a computer can enhance their lifestyle and they can get their hands on more current electronics without the expense.

Spring cleaning in Austin means starting new – so give your senior a fresh start, too!

Sources:

1. Michigan Home Care Blog

2. About.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.