Home Care Naperville

As your aging loved one moves through life, there are a number of challenges which often accompany the journey. Often, their family lives a long distance away or simply fails to notice gradual changes which creep in over time. Some changes are normal and healthy, while others could be warning signs which need to be addressed. They could require some simple adjustments, or they could indicate a need for an in-home caregiver. Let us take a look at some of the more common signs.

The house is not tidy

This could be due to a loss of interest or energy. This is particularly concerning if they are normally neat and organized. It may also be accompanied by a decline in personal hygiene.

Food in the refrigerator goes uneaten or is spoiled

The effort to shop, cook, and clean becomes overwhelming. They might be eating just enough to maintain weight, but are not eating nutritional meals. Actually losing weight would leave little doubt if they are otherwise healthy.

Mail and bills are gathering dust

This could show a lack of interest or depression. Dealing with one’s mail should not require very much energy, so this can be a troubling sign.

Using stairs becoming difficult

Complaints of dizziness or unsteadiness on their feet may become evident. This is particularly troubling since a severe injury resulting from a fall could occur.

Inappropriate behavior

They may act in ways completely out-of-character to them. This could be a sign of mental decline or confusion. If they are having lapses in concentration, it could be dangerous if they forget the stove is on, for example. You might look for signs of scorching on the bottom of pots and pans. This could indicate they have previously forgotten something is cooking on the stove.

Your loved one’s friends may have noticed changes in their behavior. You might engage them in conversation and casually mention the subject. They may see them more day-to-day than you, or something may have escaped your notice which is apparent to them.

You can establish a baseline of behavior by spending quality time with them. If there are any sudden departures from this behavior, you might look further into it. It could be nothing, or it could indicate a decline in functioning that needs to be addressed.

If you suspect your aging loved one is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, you should consider talking to their doctor before confronting them. They have expertise in this area and can tell you if your concerns are valid and if your loved one might benefit from tests.

Yard unkempt

The yard is not mowed. The garden, if they had one, is uncared for. Many plants are dead and dying. Shrubs and trees are not pruned. The area just shows a general attitude of neglect.

Forgetting to take medication

This could be simple forgetfulness that we all experience occasionally. It could also be something more serious if it happens frequently. Not only would it show some signs of mental decline or dementia, but can be very dangerous in and of itself. You might talk with them to see if they are truly forgetting to take the medication or maybe they are doing it on purpose. Their medication might need adjusting if it causes objectionable side effects.

As you consider the signs that your loved one might require home care, remember to always treat them with dignity and respect. After all, it will not be long before you will be in their shoes as well.

Campaign Launched to Ensure Care for the Elderly
17 July 2011

WASHINGTON – Unions and their allies in civil rights, womens’ rights, community and faith groups have launched a new national campaign to recruit millions of new givers of eldercare, improve and enhance those workers’ rights and ensure needed care for the coming millions of elderly clients.

The 700 delegates of Caring Across Generations launched their drive with a congress in Washington last week, which preceded 15 other sessions to be held in 12 other cities nationwide in coming months. They also met on Capitol Hill with Senators John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., among others.

Obama administration Labor Secretary Hilda Solis lent her voice to the drive.

The objective is to enhance community-based and home-based long-term care for the current 7.6 million elderly adults who need it and for the estimated one-fifth of the U.S. population that will need it, as the “baby boomers” age, by 2030.

Current home-care workers are usually underpaid, often subject to bad working conditions, are barred from organizing unless states give a sort of permission by setting up “employers” with whom they can negotiate and – thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court several years ago – don’t even qualify for the minimum wage or overtime.

“The CAG campaign will help baby boomers and their families meet care needs by realizing the ‘five fingers of the caring hand,’ including: Creation of new, quality jobs in home care, labor standards and improved job quality for existing jobs and new jobs, training and career ladders for home care workers, a new visa category and path to citizenship for care workers and support for individuals and families in need of support and care, including the creation of a matching registry and maintenance and expansion of funding streams,” the group said in its mission statement.

One of those funding streams may be the federal government, as CAG is telling Congress that home care is much less expensive, much more healthy and much more psychologically healthy for the elderly than nursing-home or other institutional care.

“Now is the time to invest in home care. It will save money, help people to stay healthy longer, protect consumer choice, support working families, and ensure that a stable workforce of well-trained caregivers serves our seniors,” the group said.

It’ll also create jobs: CAG estimates that to deal with the growing number of senior citizens – one “Baby Boomer” is now turning 65 every several minutes – the U.S. will need 2 million more paid caregivers by 2016.

Continue reading

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4927

Home care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Naperville.

Excessive heat in the summer time is difficult for everyone especially the elderly. Senior care is important especially when the elderly are more prone to suffering from heat over exposure. The best way to keep the seniors safe is to monitor them and keep them cool and hydrated. Keeping Seniors Safe in the Summer Heat Check the heat index and if there is talk of the heat being too much plan indoor activities and keep the elderly in doors. Keep the air conditioning on or open the windows and have portable fans going. Take the elderly to a cool place if their home is too hot. With elder care you have to reduce their activity and keep them hydrated with water. Make sure they are dressed cool in light breathable clothing. Cotton is excellent it breathes in the heat and light colors are also good. Seniors can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat strokes, sunburn and dehydration. Make sure they wear sunblock if they have to go outside, a hat and sunglasses. They should avoid caffeine products and if they have to go outside they should not stand pout in the heat waiting for a bus, they should be offered a ride or take a taxi. Alternatives to Keeping Cool If the elderly person does not have air conditioning portable fans will do or taking a cool bath or shower. A spray bottle on hand to spray constantly is also a good idea. They can also cover the windows in the house that have direct sunlight coming through to keep it cooler. Elder care can consist of eating light foods, fruits, salads etc. There is also the option of a kiddie pool, set one up in the shaded area of their property and let them relax and enjoy. Keep the cool cloth on the heads and keep the cold water flowing. Signs of Heat Exposure Senior care is important, If you notice the elderly person sweating profusely, or extremely thirsty, weak dizzy, or cold and clammy they might be having a heat stroke. They need to be cooled down immediately and if medical personnel on hand they will know what to do if not call 911 immediately. Staying cool and safe is key when trying to keep the elderly safe in the summer heat. Hydrate and keep their skin protected and limit activities and keep them in a nice cool place. Limit their mobility if possible and if they have to go out drive them around or put them in a taxi.