When looking to hire a caregiver for a senior, there are a number of factors to consider. Not only should the caregiver be able to meet the needs of the senior, but they should also have a compatible personality. Since the caregiver will be spending a lot of time with the senior, it is important to choose the right person for the job. Doing so can be a bit easier by following some of the tips below.

1. Check local Home Care Agencies. Companies like Austin Senior Care staff many caregivers. However, they do provide different levels of service, so take the time to make sure all services that are needed can be provided.

2. If the senior in need of a caregiver is approved for care that will be paid for by Medicare, the Health Care Agency must be Medicare certified. This ensures that the agency meets the minimal federal requirements.

3. If the senior only requires personal care or homemaking services, caregivers do not have to come from an agency that is certified for Medicare.

4. If there is no Medicare coverage, the cost of the caregiver will have to be paid by the person receiving services. These services can be expensive, but there are some low rates for personal care attendants, also known as PCA’s. They are typically paid by the hour at rates between $13 and $35.

5. Do not be afraid to contact multiple agencies. It is important to find the right caregiver that will provide all services needed by the senior.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.org

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.

There’s a fine line when it comes to senior issues. Often, ailments that are “normal” parts of aging can have similar symptoms to more severe issues which is why it’s important that caregivers encourage their senior loved ones to seek medical attention for the following issues:

1. Symptoms from medical side effects – side effects that develop from medications should be discussed with a doctor. Some side effects might be normal; others might be a result of mixed medications. All concerns should be addressed with a medical professional

2. Awareness of self-medication – when caregivers see signs that a senior is self-medicating, it should be addressed. Even using over-the-counter medications combined with multiple prescriptions can cause complications

3. Understanding anxiety and depression – unmanaged depression can lead to more serious health complications. Caregivers should recognize the signs and encourage their loved ones to receive treatment

4. Changes in mobility – although physical changes can occur with seniors, changes in mobility do need to be addressed. First, a doctor can investigate any underlying medical problems; and second, changes to a senior’s home can be made to make it a safer environment

Image Source: sxc.hu

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.

Despite the fact that we know the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many of us suffer from a case of the holiday blues at this time of year. Especially senior caregivers and the elderly, who find that they have a lot on their minds and a lot on their plates, can find it a struggle to find joy. But here are some tips to get them through the holiday blues:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

Image Source: www.sxc.hu

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.

According to a recent study, one in three senior caregivers is uncomfortable talking about incontinence with the senior that they care for. Lack of discussion can lead to inadequate care and treatment, so it’s important that these hesitations are overcome.

1. Ease into the issues gently – caregivers need to ensure when talking about incontinence, that they appear concerned. They can’t make it into a personal issue or make the senior feel embarrassed

2. Understand if it’s appropriate for you to bring up the topic – depending upon your relationship with your senior care recipient, you might want to bring up the topic, or have a friend or medical professional break the ice

3. Try to anticipate how they might react – if you’re bringing up the topic yourself, or even if you’ve talked to a doctor about approaching the subject of incontinence, try to anticipate how the senior might react. Will he/she be embarrassed? Combative? Accepting? This can help you to manage the situation better

4. Empathize – let them know that you care, and while you can’t understand exactly what they’re dealing with, make sure they know you hate that they’re going through it and are there for them

5. Know when to back off – particularly when approaching such a touchy subject, don’t push too hard about your beliefs; know when to back off

6. Talk to a doctor – encourage the senior to seek medical attention to determine the source of the incontinence and appropriate treatment. Caregivers can provide in-depth details to medical professionals if seniors are uncomfortable talking about it

Via: Caring.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.

Moving in a parent can be a big stress when you’re so concerned about providing for their safety and their comfort in your home. But, with some very simple changes around the house, both your comfort level in knowing that they’re safe, and their own will improve greatly:

1. Install a lower peephole – particularly for seniors that live alone, a peephole is an important security measure. Osteoporosis can cause seniors to lose height, and causing them to strain to see out of a peephole is a danger

2. Reduce glare in the home – for the comfort of seniors, install blinds on the windows that can be adjusted depending upon the amount of light or glare coming into the home

3. Prevent falls with safety measures – put railings on stairs and in the bathroom, and to avoid slips remove area rugs

4. Control water temperatures of the faucets – seniors can scald themselves if they find it challenging to control water

5. Change door handles – seniors with arthritis often have trouble manipulating doorknobs; accommodate them by installing level handles or other assistive devices

6. Try to control clutter – whether a senior is moving in, or you’re trying to make their home a little safer, finding storage for all the extra items that are not regularly used is important to reduce clutter and increase safety

Via: Guide for  Boomers and Seniors who Live with Them

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.

Caregiving is not an easy job, and around one quarter of adults in the United States are family caregivers for an aging relative who requires assistance at home. These caregivers need to remember to look after themselves as much as they focus on looking after the seniors they care for, their families, their homes, and the people that they work with during their day jobs. Here are some essential survival tools for all family caregivers:

1. Take care of yourself with diet and exercise – eat well throughout the day, and no matter how busy you are, don’t skip meals, otherwise your energy levels will drop. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes, and pick something that you enjoy doing (walking, biking, aerobics class)

2. Walk away – you won’t walk away permanently from your care responsibilities, but you can take a step back when you need to. Take a break, even if just for a few minutes, or have someone else step in to provide respite care

3. Seek help – 72% of caregivers refuse to receive outside help with their responsibilities; don’t be one of them. Ask a family member to step in and help, or hire a professional home caregiver to give you a break. Also, don’t be afraid to lean on others when you’re stressed, even if it means joining a support group

4. Spoil yourself – reward yourself for all of your hard work, once a week or once a month, go get a massage, have a manicure, go to a movie, or take a hot bath with a glass of wine. Do something that helps you rejuvenate!

5. Don’t neglect your health – remember to get yourself to the doctor regularly, especially if you’re feeling ill. You’ll be better help to a senior when you’re in one piece!

Via: Caregiver Stress

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.

The holidays are not a time that any of us want to be thinking about making decisions that could change the course of our loved ones’ lives; but for those of us that have seniors who live on their own, holiday visits are a time to evaluate their health and safety. Make sure that you take a close look at how your loved one is living, and determine if they might benefit from care assistance at home. This checklist can help you recognize the important warning signs; if you can’t answer “yes” to all of the statements below, then it’s time to suggest some changes.

• There are no spoiled foods in the fridge, and it, along with cupboards are well stocked with nutritious meal and snack items

• Their home appears in the same state as it always has, with no dirt and dust appearing in locations that are harder to reach

• Bills are not piling up at home or in the mailbox, indicating that they’re probably being paid

• Dates and dosages on medications match up with what’s on the prescription bottles and it appears as though he/she is managing her medications effectively and taking them according to schedule

• His/her appearance is neat and tidy and to the same standard as normal

• Neighbors and friends close to him/her seem to have no concerns about the health, safety or happiness of the senior

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

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.

Senior caregivers sacrifice a lot to provide care to someone they love; and while they’re so focused on bettering the lives of others, we can focus upon improving theirs this November for National Family Caregiver’s Month. Here are 10 ways to show a caregiver you appreciate them:

1. Give them a break – offering to provide respite care or hiring someone to step in can allow caregivers to relax or reconnect with friends and family

2. Remind local businesses what this month means – then encourage them to offer freebies or discounts for family caregivers in the area!

3. Lend them a hand with holiday preparations – the holidays can create added responsibility, so help a caregiver decorate for the holidays or put stamps on their cards

4. Get them laughing – go see a funny movie with them, or pick up tickets to a local comedy club. Laugher IS the best medicine!

5. Take over holiday hosting responsibilities – caregivers already have a lot on their plates; host Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday celebration so the caregiver can simply focus on enjoying the company!

6. Sign the petition – there’s a petition to establish a stamp that recognizes family caregivers; sign it in their honor!

7. Create something personal – a personalized gift, like a calendar with family photos, will help them feel like they’re appreciated, and it will help them stay organized

8. Send them a token of appreciation – a bouquet of flowers or a card might not be a big gesture, but it will make caregivers feel appreciated and special

9. Connect them with caregiving resources – free seminars and other events take place to keep caregivers better informed and help them manage stress

10. Lend your support – give them an ear to talk to, or help them find a support group

Via: The Family Caregiver

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.

In this day and age we’re go, go, go, and family caregivers who care for seniors are quite possibly amongst the busiest group of people. Finding even five minutes of a day for themselves is often an impossible task, and sometimes the seniors that they care for lead lives that are just as busy. To take control over everyday seniors and caregivers alike can get better organized and work on their time management skills.

1. Prioritize – seniors and caregivers alike can prioritize their responsibilities. Not all tasks are of equal importance, and by starting with items that are crucial, they can work their way through, and if there’s just not enough time in the day, the non-priority items can wait so seniors don’t overburden themselves

2. Make a schedule – as part of prioritizing, plan out your day on a calendar, either by writing it down or using a calendar tool on your laptop or Blackberry. Seeing what needs to be accomplished visually, marked down hour by hour will help you set realistic goals for yourself whether you’re a caregiver or a busy senior

3. Don’t waste time – busy people known that time is of the essence,  so while important goals and responsibilities should bet me, time shouldn’t be wasted on focusing on the things that don’t matter

4. Ask for help – as a caregiver, don’t be afraid to ask for someone else to step in and provide respite that way you can focus on other things that are important, like rest and relaxation for yourself. As a senior, if there are things you need help to accomplish, just ask!

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.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to teach seniors and caregivers about how to make more productive use of their time, essentially turning 24 hours of inefficient time into 36 hours of sheer productivity each and every day. We’ll focus on the following elements of improving productivity to make the most out of everything you set out to achieve. Here’s a little teaser, but stay tuned for more on each of these points!

1. Sleeping for productivity

2. Eating your way to a 36 hour day

3. Learning to multi-task effectively

4. Organizing your way to success

5. Learning how to get it done faster

6. Learning while multi-tasking in your free time

7. Using technology to increase productivity

8. Turning off

9. Asking for help

Even if you’re not a senior or a caregiver, please come back again to learn how to make the most out of each day, so you can find time not only for your responsibilities, but to focus on the things that are most important to you once you’re no longer overwhelmed. Also visit WorkingCaregiver.com for in depth articles on part of the same series!

Via: Gaia.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.