Senior Care at Home: Think About the Stairs

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senior care at home

Often household injuries occur due to a fall down the stairs. A small slip can result in a broken bone especially for a senior. Many seniors want to stay in their own home so it is necessary for loved ones to make the environment as safe as possible. Since it is typically not possible to remove stairs from an existing home and install ramps here are some other tips to increase safety of stairs.

Railings

Verify existing railings are securely installed. When pulled on they should not wiggle at all. If railings do not exist it is strongly recommended they be installed. It is best to install railings on both sides of the stairs. Also, verify your loved one uses the railings when going up and down the stairs. Use of railings significantly decreases the risk of falls.

Clear Clutter

Items left on the stairs are a tripping hazard. Nothing should be left on the stairs at any point. If your loved on likes to put items on the stairs that need to be brought to another floor consider placing an empty basket adjacent to the stairs where they can accumulate items to transport. The key is to not put the basket actually on the stairs but instead adjacent.

Lighting

Stairs need to be well-lit. Sometimes this is an issue with stairs leading to the basement. Consider installing higher wattage bulbs over staircases or add reflective tape to the edge of the steps.

Duplicate Items

It is best for your loved on to walk up and down the stairs without trying to carry items at the same time. This will allow them to have free hands to hold onto the railing. Ask what type of items they typically find they need to carry up and down the stairs. If possible buy duplicates of these items so they have one upstairs and one downstairs eliminating the need to transport the item. For example, if they are carrying a water cup upstairs consider purchasing disposable cups to keep upstairs.

Senior Care at Home

Taking the above steps will help lower the likelihood of a fall. However, you may still worry that your loved one is no longer stable enough to traverse the stairs. This does not mean you need to move your loved one. Instead consider the option of senior care at home. A home care aide can help with light housework, meal planning and preparation, medication reminders and provide companionship for your loved one. In addition a safety assessment can be conducted of the home to identify areas of improvement that will help reduce the risk of injury. Endeavor Home Care offers senior home care in Phoenix and throughout the surrounding areas. For more information about at home care, contact us at 480-498-2324.

Reasons to consider at home senior care

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at home senior careTaking care of the elderly can be a tricky business. Naturally, you want to ensure that your senior relatives are getting all the support that they need and deserve as they get older. However, doing it yourself, providing them with personal attention, is all too often simply out of your reach. You have other commitments- jobs, children, friends. Finding the time needed to properly attend to your elderly relatives can be, at times, downright impossible.

On top of that, you might not have the skills needed to give your relatives the care that they deserve. Do you know how to operate a dialysis machine? Administer an injection? Can you tell an ordinary cough from a potentially life-threatening complication? Can you treat bedsores? Do you have the time to learn how to do these things? If not, you may have to admit that you’re simply not capable of giving your elderly relatives the care they deserve.

And that’s saying nothing about how downright disgusting caring for people suffering from dementia or otherwise unable to care for themselves can be. Changing bedpans is an unenviable task.

So, if you’re having problems looking after your parents, grandparents, or other elderly relative, you should admit to yourself that you’re out of your depth and need help. Then, do some research and seek out providers of at home senior care, who will provide much-needed aid and expertise for the people you care for. Both you and they will be glad you did.

For more information, contact us.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers: 7 Ways to Talk About It With Others

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Caregivers at home for Alzheimer’s patients face a difficult task, not only of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but also of having to redefine roles and relationships. A once-independent spouse now needs to accept the fact that they need help. A parent must now be taken care of by the children for whom they’ve provided care all their lives. It is a world that is turning unpredictably upside down for many.

caregiversAlzheimer’s, unfortunately, is one of those “invisible” conditions. If the person looks fine, then they must be fine, right? In fact, sometimes the person with Alzheimer’s may not know that they have been diagnosed with it because even those closest to them are uncomfortable discussing it. However, talking about it is the first step to understanding it and to understanding what you can do to help your loved one. Here are seven ways caregivers can talk about it:

1. Be sure the person is aware of it. “You’ve got Alzheimer’s,” is a very blunt way to approach someone, and not the best thing to do for most people. If you are going to be taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s, even if you use a phrase like “memory problems”, be sure they understand that this something that’s going to affect their lives, and that you’ll be there to help.

2. Share the diagnosis. This will help you gain support from others. It also keeps you from feeling like you have to pretend that everything is fine.

3. Talk with your loved one about how to tell others. Close friends and relatives may be told one on one. When former President Ronald Reagan chose to tell others, he did so in the form a written letter.

4. Expect that some people will not believe the diagnosis at first. Especially in its early stages, Alzheimer’s is very hard to notice. Excuses are often offered, such as “Oh, you’re (or he’s or she’s) just getting older.” Instead of trying to force them to see, just accept that they are having a difficult time accepting the diagnosis.

5. Understand that some friends and even family may become very uncomfortable at the idea. They may not know how to respond to it. If some show signs of discomfort, don’t hit them with everything at once. Ease into it a little bit at a time.

6. Let people know that cards, letters, and even visits are welcome. Let them know when good times to visit are. Even mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients can start to feel shunned by friends and family who won’t come around because they’re unsure if they should.

7. If anyone asks if there’s anything they can do, be ready with a list of suggestions. There’s no need to take this on by yourself, and if you have friends and family willing to lend a hand, accept the offer.

Alzheimer’s is a difficult condition for both seniors and their caregivers. If you can build up a support team of people willing to help, to talk, and to listen, you’ll find you have a lot more options than you may have first thought when it comes to caring for your loved one. Contact Endeavor In Home Care to see how we can help and become part of your support team with a professional in home caregiver in Phoenix or the surrounding areas.

Dementia Care: How to Know When Help is Needed

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dementia careIf you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia it can be difficult to determine if it is still safe for them to live independently. Often family members worry but the loved one insists everything is fine and help is not needed. News stories of dementia patients wandering away from home and requiring a search and rescue effort increase concern for family members. No one wants their loved one to become a missing dementia patient. How do you determine when dementia care is required to keep your loved one safe?

First, you should be aware that it is possible to provide dementia care in home. In other words, it is not necessary to move your loved one to an assisted living facility especially at the early stages of dementia. If your loved one strongly desires to stay in their own home it can be achieved. In addition, you do not have to provide the care yourself. It can be exhausting and overwhelming caring for a dementia patient especially if you do not have the appropriate training.

To determine if your loved one needs dementia care you should ask yourself the following questions:

How do they spend their time during the day?

* Are they still able to successfully shop and cook for themselves?

* Are they consuming nutritious foods? Do they need help eating?

* Are they able to keep their house clean or are dishes and laundry piling up?

* Do they keep up with paying bills on time?

* Have there been any instances in which the water was left running or the stove left on?

* Are they able to adequately maintain their personal hygiene?

* Do they tend to wander?

* Do they wear inappropriate clothes for the weather or wear the same clothes for days?

* Do they take their medication as prescribed or do they have trouble keeping track of what to take when?

If any of the above questions were answered in a way that makes you realize your loved one is no longer capable of living independently contact us at Endeavor Home Care. We offer home care services that include errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping, medication reminders, transportation for doctor appointments, and companion care in Arizona cities including Tuscon, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler and more.

Should I Pay My Home Senior Care Provider “Under the Table?”

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The last thing you need when a loved one is in need of at home senior care is to be audited by the IRS. OK, it’s not exactly something anyone wants, but the short-term savings of hiring a helper under-the-table will be quickly overwhelmed by the costs of penalties and possibly legal fees if you are caught not paying required taxes.

And that’s not all! Hiring a caregiver under the table, without working through a reputable home care agency is extremely risky. A privately hired caregiver has no supervision or oversight, and has not been background checked and screened – leaving an older adult vulnerable to fraud or elder abuse. Also consider what will happen if the caregiver should become sick or takes time off for a vacation. There’s no backup care available when working with one individual. Finally, think through what might occur if the caregiver was injured in your home, or if items of value went missing. Without being bonded and insured, you would be liable for any applicable expenses: medical bills, worker’s compensation, the replacement cost for valuables, etc.

at home senior care

How Can I Avoid a Catastrophe When Hiring a Caregiver?

Thankfully, we have a solution that allows you to simply enjoy the benefits of in home care without any fear of legal or other serious repercussions.

A home care agency like Endeavor In Home Care will work with your budget and identify the best personnel to care for your family member in a home setting. And you will know that you and the caregivers who are working in your home are in compliance with federal and local laws. Our caregivers are fully bonded and insured, extensively trained, and background checked, for your peace of mind, while we take care of all of the necessary taxes, worker’s compensation, and oversight.

It’s not just celebrities and politicians who get caught up in “nanny-gate” situations through inappropriate hiring processes. Essentially the government likes to keep “off the books” employment to a minimum, so unless you are running a lemonade stand, someone needs to be paying taxes. Your legal options are to hire a care giver directly and take responsibility for filing tax reports (which you either have to do yourself or pay your own tax provider to handle) or you can contract with an at home senior care agency and be confident that payroll and taxes are handled in a professional manner.

If you would like to consider the option of professionally managed at home senior care from the leading caregivers in Phoenix and the surrounding areas at Endeavor In Home Care, please contact us.

Senior Safety at Home: Establishing a Safe Environment

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senior care at homeMany seniors desire the ability to live at home for as long as possible. Often they would like to live in the same home they have lived in for years and possibly even raised a family in. Providing senior care at home is achievable. One of the first steps is making sure the home environment is still safe as the needs of the senior changes over time.

Bedrooms and bathrooms tend to be the most unsafe areas of the home for seniors with falls being the most common home accidents for older adults. Conducting an annual safety check is important to help prevent falls and allow seniors to remain at home. Here are some suggestions for things to evaluate during a safety check.

Bedroom

Look for throw rugs or torn carpet which can create a tripping hazard. Remove or attach to the floor with double-sided tape, glue or carpet staples to minimize the hazard.

Verify access to a telephone is available for night time emergencies. Consider installing a cordless phone, cell phone or emergency alert system.

Verify bed height is appropriate. It is too low if the knees are above the hips when sitting on the bed and is too high if the legs do not touch the floor when sitting. Add risers to raise the height. Remove the bed frame to lower the height.

If electrical cords present a tripping hazard because they run along the walking path use extension cords to run them behind furniture and rearrange furniture as needed.

Bathroom

Add grab bars near the shower and toilet to prevent falls.

If the bottom of the tub is slippery use a rubber mat or adhesives on the bottom of the tub to reduce the risk of a fall.

Check that the tub and toilet are at the correct height. If the toilet is too low add a raised toilet seat.

Consider using a medication organizer for pills and setting it on the countertop so it can be easily reached.

General

Do all stairwells have sturdy handrails? Ideally handrails should be located on both sides of every set of stairs. Consider having them installed or replaced if they are not present or not sturdy.

Is emergency contact information easily accessible by the senior if needed? Consider posting this information in multiple locations throughout the home.

Check for working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of the home.

If taking care of oneself has become a challenge for a senior you love, it is worthwhile to look into in home care options. Advantages of in home care include:

Hygiene assistance
Companionship
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping
Meal planning and cooking
Complete home safety evaluation performed by an occupational therapist
Physical therapy exercises
Peace of mind for you and your loved one
And more

Having help at home can reduce the risk of accidents or injuries and extend the length of time a senior is able to continue to reside in their own home. For more information about at home care contact Endeavor In Home Care, a top-rated Mesa respite care and in home care provider for the surrounding areas.

Senior Vacations & Outings In The Phoenix, Arizona Area

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[title size=”1″]Hot Senior Vacation Spots In Arizona[/title]
Just because a person in Arizona retires doesn’t mean they have to retire.  Arizona offers many great outing and vacation destinations close to home that cater to peoples of all ages.  From a low-impact day of shopping and dining in Scottsdale, to a more adventurous ski-trip in the White Mountains, Arizona is loaded with prime vacation spots for seniors.

Some of the favored getaways for seniors in Arizona include:

  • The Grand Canyon – Mysterious and epic in scale, hiking trips in the Grand Canyon range from the rough and tumble to less strenuous strolls perfect for senior sightseeing.  The peaceful scenery and majestic cliffs are sure to inspire a sense of calming awe. The Canyon also has jeep and helicopters tour available for a day of adventure and fun.
  • Lake Powell – Lake Powell is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, fishing, boating, and a nice campfire.
  • Old Tucson Studios – Like Universal Studios, Old Tucson is as much a movie studio as it is a theme park.  Pan for gold and witness the filming of a Wild West movie at this unforgettable tourist hotspot.
  • Four Corners Monument – Ever wonder what it would be like to be in 4 places at one?  You can do just that at the Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

Of course, Arizona has far too much to offer to list here.  Contact your local tourist information center for a complete list of fantastic vacation destination.

[title size=”2″]International Vacations For Seniors[/title]
For those seniors in Arizona looking to get a little further from home, the Phoenix area is filled with travel agencies that can set up the perfect vacation package on any senior’s budget across all 50 states and the entire world.  Call around to see who might offer special discounts and services for seniors.

[title size=”3″]Take A Break From The Routine With Endeavor[/title]
Endeavor Home Care is a Phoenix-based in-home nursing staff that understands your need to get away.  If you or family is looking to get away for a day, a week, a month, Endeavor can easily put your care schedule on hold to allow you to get out and enjoy the time away, alone or with the ones you love.

Contact Endeavor Home Care today.

Senior Fitness & Health In The Phoenix, Arizona Area

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[title size=”1″]Types Of Senior Fitness Programs In Phoenix[/title]
Senior fitness programs are designed to specifically cater to individuals over the age of 50.  They are generally low impact and designed to gradually increase intensity to better appeal to the aging body.  Types of senior fitness include, but are not limited to:

  • Water Aerobics – Low impact aerobics take place in a pool to minimize muscle and joint strain while still building muscle, cutting weight, and increasing flexibility.
  • Chair Yoga – While yoga is already considered a low impact exercise, chair yoga is designed to mimic the postures and benefits of yoga from a sitting position to alleviate pressure on the joints.
  • Spinning – Spin classes are available all over the country, but senior spin classes focus on a steady pace with minimum impact to maintain senior fitness and health.
  • Tai Chi & Qi Gong – These martial arts forms are designed to increase flexibility and strength without torturing the joints and muscles.
  • Walking – Never underestimate what a nice walk with a good instructor can do for your overall wellness and quality of life.

These classes are available for seniors at local senior centers, YMCAs, and senior fitness and health centers all over the Phoenix area.
[title size=”2″]The Benefits Of Good Senior Fitness[/title]
There are many benefits to fitness no matter what your age.  However, the benefits of senior fitness specifically include:

  • A healthy lifestyle can make you feel (and look) younger.
  • Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy equilibrium, decreasing the risks of falling.
  • Exercise helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
  • A regular exercise schedule helps to increase the immune system.
  • General senior fitness helps to increase mobility, flexibility, and posture.
  • Exercise helps to improve and regulate your sleep.
  • Exercise is good for both your mental and emotional state.

Seniors who live an active lifestyle have been shown to be healthier, happier, and enjoy an overall better quality of life.
[title size=”3″]Gain More Freedom For Fitness With In-Home Nursing Care[/title]
Even for seniors who require a little extra help from in-home nursing, an active lifestyle is still within reach.  With Endeavor Home Care, Arizona’s most beloved in-home senior care staff, you can still be free to go out and enjoy the social and physical benefits of joining a great senior fitness program in the Phoenix area.

Endeavor’s schedule is tailored around each client to provide the maximum level of care while maintaining each individual’s freedom to carry on their daily activities.  Contact Endeavor today to learn more.

Chair Yoga | A Low-Impact Fitness Alternative Perfect For Seniors

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[title size=”1″]The Benefits Of Chair Yoga For Seniors[/title]
Yoga is a favored form of mental and physical fitness across the United States and the entire world. Unfortunately, many of the poses and routines of yoga are very difficult for an aging body to perform, thus making the popular form of exercise inaccessible for senior citizens.

However, a form known as chair yoga has been specifically crafted to reap the benefits of other schools of yoga while allowing the participants to sit in or use a chair for support. Chair yoga includes postures, breathing and meditation techniques, as well as general methods of relaxation.

Chair yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that has many benefits for seniors, including:

  • Increasing flexibility.
  • Increasing strength.
  • Reducing hypertension.
  • Reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Reducing the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
  • Reducing chronic pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Reducing the symptoms of clinical vertigo.
  • Helping in the treatment of clinical depression.

There are many more benefits to chair yoga that overall lead to a happier person with a greater quality of life.

[title size=”2″]Where To Inquire For Chair Yoga Enrollment In Phoenix[/title]
There are many places that a senior may find a class of their peers in the Phoenix area, including:

  • Senior Centers
  • Senior Health & Fitness Clubs
  • Adult Day Care
  • Private Yoga Instructors

Chair yoga may also be available in gyms, health spas, and wellness centers. As chair yoga becomes more and more popular among seniors it will become more accessible in many more locations.

[title size=”3″]How Endeavor Can Help With Your Healthy Lifestyle[/title]
Endeavor Home Care understands that seniors have it tough when it comes to maintaining your active lifestyle. Our customized in-home senior care system and courteous staff make it easier for seniors to get out, stay active, and take their health into their own hands by attending chair yoga classes of their choosing.

Contact Endeavor Home Care today.

Alternatives To Assisted Living

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Alternatives to Assisted Living

Many people see assisted living facilities as a step up from a nursing home, which is generally the case, while assisted living facilities are also considered a step down from living at home. Most seniors would agree that they would prefer to live at home rather than being “put in a home”.

Thankfully there are alternatives to assisted living which can provide the same standard of living, safety, and care that would be required of an aging loved one. While there are many alternatives, the most preferred alternative to assisted living is home aids, or home care givers, and companion care services.

Home Aids as an Alternative to Assisted Living

Home care givers, or home aids, are a great alternative to living in an assisted living facility. Home aids allow a senior to live at home while receiving the adequate assistance they need. As an RN (registered nurse) or a CNA (certified nurse assistant), home aids are trained and qualified to provide needed assistance with basic medical needs such as giving shots, applying an IV, physical therapy, or other similar services.

Unlike an assisted living facility, which typically only has one nurse to every 20 or so residents, having a home aid alleviates any worry that your aging loved one wouldn’t receive the necessary attention he or she needs.

Companion Care as an Alternative to Assisted Living Facilities
In some cases, where an elderly loved one does not require constant, or skilled care, but rather only requires assistance with day to day tasks, then companion care is also a great alternative to being in an assisted living facility. Companion care, or elder companions, is care givers who can provide assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, or even running errands.

Many seniors have no problem living on their own or taking care of themselves but occasionally need some basic assistance with tasks that they either struggle with, or are unable to complete due to a disability or sickness. In these cases, an elder companion can provide the required assistance on an hourly, daily, monthly, or occasional basis where needed.

While living at home is almost always preferred, many seniors defer to living in a nursing home or assisted living facility due to misconceptions. The major misconceptions being:

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of in home care or if you are in need of in-home senior care in Phoenix, Arizona please contact us today.