Caregivers in Sun City, AZ: Why Seniors Sometimes Sleep Less than the Rest of Us

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Those of us who provide caregiving to seniors may be distressed to find that our senior seems to sleep less than the rest of us do or less and less as time goes on. However, there is an important difference between normal age-related changes and those caused by illness or other problems.

Normal Patterns

According to the National Institute of Health,  the average healthy adult requires between 7 ½ and 9 hours of rest a night. However, the NIH also found that those of advanced age may fall on the low end of that spectrum and only need about 7 ½ hours of rest per night on average. This is due to normal age-related changes in the body including changes in melatonin and other related hormones.

In addition, research has shown that older adults tend to go to bed earlier and wake earlier than others, called advanced phase syndrome. This is a normal age-related pattern.

Every individual is different in terms of rest needs, so caregivers should watch to make sure that the individual wakes up rested and maintains normal energy levels throughout the day. If so, the senior is likely getting the rest that they need, even if the actual amount of rest is less than expected.

Identifying Problems

The most important factor of rest for anyone, including seniors, is the quality. If someone has difficulty relaxing, wakes often, feels tired in the morning and is tired throughout the day, there is likely an underlying medical issue.

If the senior snores loudly, this may indicate that the individual has obstructive apnea, often caused by obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or other issues and a health care professional should evaluate this.

Other potential health care problems may include restless leg syndrome (RLS), gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, all of which might cause rest issues. If you are concerned about the quality of rest the senior is experiencing or any other symptoms or issues, schedule a physical exam by a health care professional.

Tips

Some simple changes are often enough to improve the quality of nightly rest:

– Reduce caffeine intake

– Shorten daily naps

– Exercise daily

– Stop liquid intake after dinner to help prevent the need to urinate during the night

– Turn off the television before bed

– Set a regular schedule

Proper senior caregiving includes helping the senior establish healthy sleeping patterns to aid them in feeling as rested and energetic during the day as possible, which in turn leads to an increased feeling of overall well-being.

When researching options for caregivers in Sun City AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Sun City, AZ.

When Transportation for Seniors Becomes Challenging- Home Care in Paradise Valley, AZ Can Help

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Most of us take the ability to get in the car to go run some errands or to get somewhere for granted. After all, we are used to being able to drive ourselves wherever it is that we would like to be whenever it is that we would like to go. However, there is a point for many seniors when they can no longer drive or are no longer able to drive safely, which means that the loved ones in their life are responsible for transporting them around town. This may present many logistical challenges in terms of time, scheduling and effort. If this is the case, then perhaps it is time to consider in home care assistance to provide necessary transportation for the senior.

Home Care Can Help

Home care assistants can do many things for seniors of all ages and ability, from providing basic cleaning and cooking to more intensive caretaking efforts. In addition, one essential service that care assistants can provide is transportation to doctor’s appointments, to the grocery store, to pick up medicine at the pharmacy, the bank and/or any other errands or events.

Transportation is Easier

Transportation assistance from home care companions is an important benefit for many reasons. For example, it frees up loved ones from having to take time from their own schedule to pick up the senior, transport them to the desired location, pick back up and then drive the senior home, which can be a very time-consuming activity on a regular basis. In addition, it provides the senior with an important sense of freedom and independence since they do not have to wait for their loved one to have the time available to come and take them somewhere.

Have the Driving Discussion

If you have an elderly loved one who is no longer able to drive or whom you are not sure should be driving, have a frank discussion with their primary physician about their driving abilities. After all, driving safely requires a certain action and reaction time in order to be safe and prevent injury to themselves or others. If this safety is in question, perhaps it is time to hire additional care help to make sure the senior can still get to important doctor’s appointments and run errands as before with a trusted home care companion at the helm. Your loved one will maintain a sense of independence and you will maintain a sense of security for their health and safety.

When researching options for home care agencies in Paradise Valley AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Paradise Valley, AZ.

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Home Care in Fountain Hills, AZ: Easy Craft Ideas to Share with Homebound Seniors

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One of the biggest day-to-day problems with care for homebound seniors is the sheer boredom that sets in over time. While there are things that can help fill the time, such as reading new books, doing puzzles, playing games and watching a little bit of television, home care companions can also do easy crafts with their senior for a welcome change of pace.

– Creating homemade greeting cards are a good way to help the homebound feel connected and to give back to the community. Use construction paper in bright colors, folded over to make a card, and give the senior markers, rubber stamps, stickers and other decorations to make Get Well, Happy Birthday and Just Because cards. These cards can be sent to the local hospice, hospital, rehabilitation facility or veteran’s hospital.

– Establish a pen pal relationship with a local classroom of children. Teachers often welcome a new way to tell stories from the past and increase children’s awareness of life beyond their own daily routine. In return, older adults feel reinvigorated by getting mail and enjoy the funny, sweet letters from children.

– Use boxes of photographs to create memory books, accompanied by stories and anecdotes from the past. Caregivers can listen to a story by the senior and type it up, then print the story and cut the paper down to size and add to the scrapbook. This makes for a beautiful and unique heirloom and a great way to preserve history.

– Watching birds can be a restful and entertaining way to spend some time. Make your own bird feeders by spreading peanut butter generously on a pinecone, working it into all of the spaces on the pinecone and then roll the pinecone in birdseed. Wrap a piece of yarn firmly around one of the top pieces and tie a firm knot, then create a loop with the rest of the yarn to hang the bird feeder on a branch near a window.

– Many seniors know how to knit, sew and quilt. Put these skills to use by making baby hats and booties for the local hospital or tiny blankets for the neonatal intensive care unit. Alternatively, the individual can knit socks, scarves, mittens and hats for friends and family.

– Make some bath salts by putting one cup of Epsom salts and ½ tsp. lemon oil into a jar and stirring well. Add color by putting in two drops of yellow food coloring to the jar and mixing. Allow the senior to decorate the jar and the lid to complete a lovely gift to donate or give to friends and family. Be sure to keep some to use at home as well.

Home care companions often find that fun and simple crafts for homebound seniors help them feel more involved, perk up their minds and encourage them to use some of the skills and abilities they already have while even learning some new ones.

When researching options for home care agencies in Fountain Hills AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Senior Care in Mesa, AZ: Good Foot Health Means Longer Independence

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Most of us take having healthy feet for granted most of our lives. After all, other than some periodic cleaning and perhaps a pedicure or two, there is not much that needs doing to keep our feet in good shape. However, as you age, foot care becomes more and more important and is an essential aspect of health care for seniors.

Basic Daily Care

Good senior care includes taking care of the entire body, top to bottom. Some basic elements of caring for the feet can help prevent problems and identify potential issues as they arise.

• Wash the feet with warm water and gentle soap, such as baby wash, and then dry thoroughly. Be certain to dry around and in-between each of the toes as well.

• Check the feet daily to look for any sores, blisters, cuts, swelling or infected toenails.

• Apply antibiotic ointment to any sores, blisters or cuts and cover with a clean bandage.

• Apply gentle, unscented lotion to feet and work in well, then wipe away any excess. Avoid getting lotion into any sores, cuts or blisters.

• Encourage the senior individual to wear clean socks and supportive shoes every day to keep the feet dry, clean and protected.

Basic Weekly Care

Once a week, carefully trim the toenails straight across using clean trimmers. Do not cut the toenail any shorter than the end of the toe and file down any rough edges.

Another element of senior care that most seniors will appreciate is a weekly foot rub. This increases circulation to the feet, which also helps prevent problems and feels quite nice as well. Perform the massage after the feet are clean and lotion is applied.

Overall Basic Care

One of the best ways to help a senior take care of their feet and overall health in general is to encourage daily physical activity. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, reduces fatigue, increases energy and improves immune system functioning.

An excellent form of physical exercise for most seniors is walking, as this is a low-impact exercise performed at a comfortable rate. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking, 5 times a week.

In addition, some specific foot exercises will help keep those feet in tip-top form:

• Hold a table edge and lift up onto the toes. Rock back onto the heels and lift up the toes. Repeat 20 times.

• Place marbles on the floor and have the senior pick the marbles up with their toes.

• Sit down and flex the toes up, then point down. Repeat five times and then rotate each ankle in both directions five times as well.

Foot care is an important part of senior care and should be a daily part of caretaking efforts in order to help maintain a high quality of life and prevent potential issues. Once foot problems set in, most seniors have difficulty walking and begin to lose what independence they have left.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Mesa AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Mesa, AZ.

Does Medicaid Pay for Home Care in Scottsdale, AZ?

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At some point or another, many of us will either need to consider home health care for ourselves or for a loved one. Choosing home health care may be an easy choice for some, since it allows the person to remain in their own home and continue a certain level of autonomy while providing the attention and health care necessary. However, there are many other details included when it comes to implementing a home health care system.

One of the biggest issues is the cost of home health care and how to pay for it.

A common question is whether Medicaid pays for home care.

Government Assistance

Run by the federal government, Medicaid is a health care assistance plan for those who have low income and limited access to resources to traditional medical care. Most states have their own program with differing requirements and rules.

Note that coverage includes a certain amount for deductibles, premiums and co-payments used in conjunction with Medicare, which is also a federal insurance program for those over the age of 65 and some disabilities and diseases.

Home Health Care

Home care usually funds through a sub-section of the program, called Home and Community Based Services, or HCBS.

HCBS programs offer some or all coverage for various home health care costs, such as physical therapy, nursing care, home assistance with cooking, laundry, cleaning and/or meal delivery, transportation to and from necessary doctor and other appointments, participation in an adult day service program, home modifications to add safety elements and medical equipment and supplies.

The program requires an application process, which generally goes as follows:

  • Locate your local HCBS program and apply for home care assistance.
  • The program will evaluate the need for home health care assistance and medical care to determine if the individual needs the home health care to avoid placement in a nursing home.
  • Once the need for home health care is established, the program will look to determine whether the individual meets income and asset eligibility levels.

To begin the process and apply for home health care benefits, start by going to Benefits.gov and selecting your state. Then look for your state’s home page, where you can look for information about contacting the HCBS program to ask about applying and eligibility requirements.

When researching options for home care agencies in Scottsdale AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Scottsdale AZ.

When Seniors Shouldn’t Be Driving – Home Care Services in Phoenix, AZ Keep Elderly Safe and on the Move!

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Telling a senior or elderly person they should no longer be driving is almost always met with an emotional rejection by that aging or elderly person.

From their point of view, driving is a right they’ve earned and their gateway to independence. Remember that a senior or elderly person’s dignity is often attached to their driver’s license. This is why a tactful approach with specific information, positive options, and substitutions for driving is necessary.

Grocery shopping, running errands and medical appointments are all a variety of home care services offered to seniors and the elderly.

Explaining to the senior or elderly person that these home care services will ensure their continued independence and eliminate the possibility of isolation is an important part of the conversation. There may be a need to be blunt and inform the senior or elderly person that home care services will be implemented to help them get around and keep them safe.

Even when presenting them with this news, be positive and help them understand that home care services will provide them with the continued independence and dignity they deserve.

After deciding it’s time to inform your loved one that he or she should no longer be driving it’s also when you should start arming yourself with information that will back up your positive presentation of home care services.

Services will vary depending upon where you live and can range from daily home care to a few times a week.

You will want to provide your loved one with specifics and a good place to find what you need is the local Area Agency on Aging. They can provide you with the home care services offered in your area, help you begin taking advantage of those services, and provide you with alternatives if services aren’t offered in your area.

Remember that this will be one of the most difficult conversations you will have with your aging loved one.

Be prepared for emotional responses of anger, denial, and tears of sadness. Sympathize but remain firm and stress your concern for your loved one. Remind them how much you worry, how much you love them, and how great your concern is for their safety. Offer them the different types of home care services you’ve researched and prepared. At the end, you will have kept them safe, allowed them to be independent, and provided them with the dignity that they so rightfully deserve.

When researching options for home care services in Phoenix AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your home care services needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care services in Phoenix AZ.

Senior Care in Tucson, AZ: Take a Walk! Seniors Benefit From Walking with a Companion

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Physical fitness is essential for good physical and mental health. Walking may be one of the safest forms of exercise for seniors due to the moderately low risk of injury. Walking regularly can help lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels and significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It may also slow the aging process and helps minimize the risk of developing age-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Senior Care Companions Keep Seniors Healthy

Seniors who live independently at home can receive many benefits from in home care provided by professional caregivers. Senior care providers can provide companionship for individuals who enjoy the company of others. Having a companion can help to reduce the feelings of loneliness and insecurity that may be associated with being alone. Staying healthy is often a high priority for seniors living at home and exercising with a companion can encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

In Home Care Companions Provide Motivation!

Walking with a companion can increase motivation while making the exercise more enjoyable and entertaining. Walking around the neighborhood routinely can become dull and uninspiring; however, walking with a partner can encourage conversation that can help make the walk more pleasant. A trusted in-home senior care professional can give seniors the support they need to keep engaging in the exercises they enjoy to remain as active and fit as possible.

Companions Provide Safety

Walking around the neighborhood alone can be discouraging to many seniors. The fear of injury or being approached by an intimidating individual may contribute to the feeling of insecurity many seniors may experience while walking alone. Walking with a trusted partner can help minimize the feelings of uneasiness while pursuing their goal to be fit and healthy. Many seniors feel reassured when they have someone with them at all times who can call for help in the event of a fall or other type of emergency.

In Good Company….

Enjoying the company of others is often helpful with increasing the quality of life for many individuals and is also extremely important in maintaining good mental health. Caregivers can assist with coordinating an exercise routine based on the individual needs of the senior and encourage them to participate regularly. Safety and companionship are two of the most important services that a senior care professional can offer.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Tucson AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Tucson AZ.

Hiring Caregivers in Gilbert, AZ: The Importance of Safety When Hiring a Caregiver for Your Aging Parent

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 At some point in time, many adults will find themselves in the position of hiring a caregiver for an aging parent or other senior family member. The easiest way to find a caregiver is via personal recommendation from a trusted party or by sifting through the classified ads on sites such as Craigslist. While some money and time may be saved by using this method, it is not wisest choice in the long term.

The biggest issue in hiring independently… is liability.

The family will literally become the employer and as such would be responsible for any medical and disability expenses the cargiver might incur. People who work freelance in the caregiving industry also tend to leave it very quickly and move on, which could create a difficult situation for the family involved. Most of all, it is more difficult to know what the person’s background actually is, and hiring an independent caregiver is taking a big chance on safety.

Peace of Mind

Hiring through a home care agency will bring peace of mind by knowing details such as withholding, taxes and insurance are taken care of. Agencies can also perform thorough background checks as well as drug testing, and only hire dedicated people who are qualified to do the job. When all of this is factored in, the cost is roughly the same as an independent hire.

Training and Monitoring

A caregiver who works through an agency is trained in first aid techniques and CPR and is also insured and bonded. That person must follow rules and a code of ethics set by the agency. If a CNA is working in a home, that person may be checked up on regularly by a nurse to ensure everything is being done properly.

The Right Caregiver for the Job

A home care agency also offers the choice of different caregiving personnel so if one is not quite the right fit, another person may be substituted. Another advantage is always having someone available to step in if the regular caregiver becomes ill or cannot work for some other reason. The family can avoid the panic of calling around for a replacement and possibly missing work or school if one cannot be found.

When it comes to a beloved senior, the safety and reliability of a home care agency is the best way to go.

When researching options for caregivers in Gilbert AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Gilbert AZ.

Caregiving and Respite Care: Go Ahead and Take a Family Vacation, Mom is Ok!

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Providing care for a family member could possibly be the finest expression of love and loyalty that one human can show to another. Irrespective of whether care is provided 24 hours a day or part-time, caregiving has the potential to be physically and emotionally draining. That is why, even with the benefits of caring for an aging parent, it is necessary for the caregiver to provide themselves with some of the same TLC that they give mom or dad.

Rested Caregivers-Better Care

Caregivers who are not over-stressed and frazzled provide a better standard of care and enjoy a healthier mindset. They are able to really concentrate on the blessing of having their aging parent with them at home in lieu of a full-time facility. They find satisfaction in providing wonderful, loving care that no one else could supply in quite the same loving fashion. Caregiving seems like one of the most gratifying occupations when the caregiver is healthy and balanced, relaxed and at peace.

Respite Care is Just the Ticket

However, keeping that mind-set is a complicated balancing act when the caregiver does not take plenty of time for themselves. That is why it is so critical for caregivers to take weekend or even week long breaks where the focus is on them. Maybe the retreat is a cruise to Greece or a weekend at a local bed and breakfast. The location does not matter. What does matter is that the caregiver gets time to rest, relax and let go of some commitments for a time. Doing so makes them a better caregiver and greatly helps the care receiver.

Reluctant to Try Home Care?

Taking a break sounds great, but many caregivers are reluctant to do so. Conceivably they don’t feel that family members and friends will be able to care for their loved one sufficiently, or they are afraid to impose what they feel are their responsibilities onto someone else’s shoulders. Respite care is the clear, common sense solution in these situations. Highly trained, well qualified professionals employed by home care agencies provide specialized services within private homes. Many are experienced at working with people of various abilities and with wide ranging illnesses, making them qualified to assist even with the most complicated conditions of care receivers. Home care has the advantage of allowing the elder to remain in a familiar environment.

What About Assisted Living?

Another option for respite care is found at assisted living facilities where care receivers may take up residence for a brief, pre-determined period of time. Care receivers may benefit from increased activity and social interaction. It’s also reassuring to know that the older parent is living in a facility that gives round the clock medical care and has access to emergency services.

Happy Caregivers are Better Caregivers

Taking a break from caring for mom or dad is not a selfish act, nor is it one that should induce guilt. Instead, a break is an act of love for the self and for the care receiver. With a little quality time for themselves, caregivers are prepared to give the best possible love and attention to their aging parents.

When researching options for Mesa respite care agencies in Chandler AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your respite care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care services in Chandler AZ. Contact us today at 480-498-2324.

Caregivers in Sun City West, AZ: People You Can Count On

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Sandi Robinson is one of few people in life who truly enjoys her job. She is the winner of June’s People You Can Count On.

“It’s really them that keep me here,” Robinson said about her patients.

“She’s really conscious of how I feel and what needs to be done. And when I’m sick, she takes extra care of me, looks out for me,” said Bob Schlagel, a patient of Robinson’s.

A personal care provider, Robinson says the goal is to keep clients out of the nursing home.

“Let them be in their own home where they feel the best and most comfortable,” said Robinson.

“I’ve known her almost four years and she’s always put her patients first,” said Tricia Garcia.

“Sandi and I have known each other for eight years and she’s gone above and beyond the call of duty for me,” added Debbie Martin, a homemaker supervisor.

Interum’s goal is to match caregivers and personalities. All of Robinson’s clients say they adore her.

“She feels like my sister at times, my mother at times, my best friend at times,” said Schlagel.

“That’s the goal that I go on every day,” added Robinson.

After learning she was the winner of NewsChannel 5 and Sky Ute Casino’s People You Can Count On, Robinson said, with tears in her eyes, she feels “loved, appreciated, overwhelmed.” She says she now knows how her patients feel.

“She is one incredible lady. She does a great job,” said Schlagel.

“We are just so pleased and blessed to have people like Sandy working for us,” added Katherine.

“Sandy deserves this more than anybody,” said Garcia.

“She’s the best. She’s absolutely the best,” said Martin as she hugged Robinson.

Robinson hasn’t taken a sick day and she says she can’t imagine retiring.

When researching options for caregivers in Sun City West AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Sun City West AZ.