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Can a Doctor Tell Your Parent What They Will Expect with Parkinson’s Disease?

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As a family caregiver, when your aging parent receives a diagnosis of a serious health issues such as Parkinson’s disease, your first instinct is likely to ask what to expect. You immediately want as much information as you possibly can get about what your parent is going through right in this moment, as well as what they will face in the days, weeks, months, and even years to come. While preparing yourself for the progression of the disease is an important element of giving your senior the type of care they need, it may not as easy as asking a doctor what to expect.

Home Care in Abington PA: Understanding the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Home Care in Abington PA: Understanding the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

The truth is, a doctor is not able to see ahead into the progression of the disease and accurately predict what your parent will face, and when. Every person who suffers from Parkinson’s disease will experience  the progression of the disease in their own personal way. This means no doctor can accurately predict exactly what they will go through, and the pace at which they will progress through the stages of the disease. That being said, there is a general process of progression through the disease that people suffering Parkinson’s tend to follow. Broken into five stages, the progression generally follows a pattern of increased symptoms and challenges. Talking to their doctor about these stages can help your senior, and you, better understand the disease and how they might progress. This can give you a list of symptoms to look for that might indicate your senior is progressing to a further stage of disease, and allows you to take steps now that will prepare you for the future challenges of caring for your senior.

It can be challenging to face all of the needs of an elderly adult. This is especially true if that senior is living with a serious medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease. Fortunately, taking on the role of being a family caregiver does not mean having to do it all on your own. Home care is there for you. Introducing an in-home senior care services provider into your care routine with your aging parent can be an invaluable way to boost the effectiveness of the care services you give them, enhance their quality of life, and also ease your stress to support your own health and well-being as your senior ages. When it comes to caring for an adult with a serious health issue, a home care provider can help your parent to follow through with the guidelines given to them by their doctor, including helping them make good lifestyle choices, preparing healthy meals and snacks, encouraging physical activity, and providing medication reminders to keep them compliant with their doctor’s instructions.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Abington, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

 

Source

http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes-and-Statistics/Statistics

 

Reliant is Proud to Be Among the Highest Paying Home Care Agencies

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highest paying home care agenciesThe core of any company is their people, but for a home care agency, this is especially true. We would not be able to provide the expert level of care that we do without our skilled and compassionate staff. That’s why Reliant At Home Care is proud to be among the highest paying home care agencies in the Greater Philadelphia area—we seek out only the best caregivers and compensate them accordingly.

3 Things That Make the Reliant Team Unique

When we add to our team at Reliant At Home Care, we look for candidates whose core values align with ours. Here’s what makes us stand out as a team:

  • We’re dedicated to our clients. We know that many agencies claim this, but the proof is in our guarantee of client satisfaction. Every person has different needs, so we custom-tailor each care plan to the individual on a personal level. We’re also available 24/7 to answer client questions and concerns around the clock.

 

  • We’re uniquely qualified. For each caregiver we hire, we ask ourselves: would we hire this person to care for our own loved one? We understand how important the safety and well being of a client is to their family, and we take that responsibility seriously. All of our caregivers are screened thoroughly and must pass a skills test.

 

  • We have flexible schedules. We provide care around the clock, so there are many opportunities when it comes to scheduling. We employ part time, full time and live in caregivers, so you can find the best schedule for your needs. Not only that, but we offer time and a half for overtime and holidays.

What Our Employees Have to Say

By hiring employees that truly love and share our values, we’ve created an amazing team at Reliant. Our employees know that we care about them, so they can better care for our clients. Here’s what some employees have had to say about working with us:

“Finally an agency that really cares about it’s employees!!!” — Dante B.

“I have been working at Reliant at Home Care for over a year now. I love all of my clients and they have a very friendly office staff. I would recommend this company to anyone looking for work as a Caregiver.” — Stacy F.

“I have worked at Reliant for almost 2 years now and I enjoy working there. The staff are friendly and always attentive to mine and clients needs.” — Shiesha M.

Inquire About Reliant – One Of The Highest Paying Home Care Agencies in the Area

We’re always looking for bright, caring and compassionate people who are ready to make a difference in someone else’s life. If you have experience and interest in helping with personal care, companionship, homemaker services, live-in care, respite care or Alzheimer’s and dementia care, please inquire through our site. We love to meet people who are as passionate about helping people as we are.

8 Things You Should Know After Stroke

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Strokes happen suddenly in older adults, leaving families to deal with an aftermath they are not prepared for. The first step in helping your aging relative to recover from a stroke is to learn as much about stroke and what to expect as possible. Below are 8 post-stroke facts to get you started.

Senior Care in Villanova PA: Things to Know After a Stroke

Senior Care in Villanova PA: Things to Know After a Stroke

1. Stroke Survivors Are at Risk for a Second Stroke.

People who have had a stroke are at a higher risk for having another. The National Stroke Association says that around 795,000 people in the U.S. have strokes each year. Of those, 185,000 are a second stroke. Because of the high risk, it’s important to take steps to prevent another, like ensuring the senior eats a healthy diet, takes their medication, and exercises.

2. Some Races Are at an Even Higher Risk for a Second Stroke.

Studies show that people who are African American or Hispanic are at greater risk of having another stroke than Caucasians. One study showed that people who had a specific kind of stroke, called a bleeding stroke, had a second stroke at the following rate:

  • Caucasians: 1.7 percent.
  • Hispanics: 6.1 percent.
  • African Americans: 6.6 percent.

3. Stroke Rehabilitation Should Start Quickly.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic say that patients should begin rehabilitation as soon after a stroke as possible for the best results. In fact, your aging relative might start their rehabilitation program before they even get out of the hospital.

4. Stroke Recovery Takes Time.

Although the biggest gains are typically seen in the first four months after a stroke, it is possible for the senior’s condition to continue to improve for as long as two years after a stroke.

5. Stroke Survivors Often Become Depressed.

It’s not uncommon for people who have had a stroke to suffer from depression. Between 30 and 50 percent of stroke survivors experience depression. Watch for signs of depression and report them to the doctor.

6. Stroke Rehabilitation Requires a Team.

After a stroke, your older family member will likely be assigned a team of people to help with their recovery, including physical and occupational therapists, a speech therapist, a social worker, doctors, and nurses.

7. Support from Friends and Family Impacts Recovery.

The Mayo Clinic says there are several factors that impact how well a person recovers after a stroke. One of those things is the support system around them. Friends and family who provide assistance and encouragement can make a big difference.

8. Senior Care Can Complete the Support System.

Senior care can provide your loved one with another layer of support. Senior care providers can be hired through an agency to come to the older adult’s home to assist them throughout their recovery. Senior care providers can remind them to take their medication, assist with rehabilitation activities, and help them with personal care, like dressing and grooming.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Villanova, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

 

Sources

http://www.strokesmart.org/Blacks-Hispanics

http://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/first-steps-recovery/preventing-another-stroke

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/ForFamilyCaregivers/CaringforYourLovedOne/15-Things-Caregivers-Should-Know-After-a-Loved-One-Has-Had-a-Stroke_UCM_310762_Article.jsp#.W04H3dJKjIU

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172

 

When Might it Be Time for Your Senior to Leave Her Home?

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At some point, you might need to help your elderly family member move into another place, possibly even your own. Here’s how you can tell that it might be time for this talk.

Elderly Care in Collegeville PA: How to Tell When It's Time for Your Senior to Leave her Home

Elderly Care in Collegeville PA: How to Tell When It’s Time for Your Senior to Leave her Home

If Her Safety Is in Question.

Any time that your senior’s safety is in question is a time for action. She may not be able to navigate her home as well as she used to or there may be maintenance or repair issues that are difficult to resolve. Logistical issues and your senior’s mobility are likely to be incredibly influential in this decision. Safety is about more than just removing clutter. Take the full situation into account.

If Her Health Is Getting Significantly Worse.

When your senior’s health starts to decline rapidly, that often leaves her with big practical concerns, like whether she can stay in her home. In some cases, your senior may have a chronic health condition that is manageable for a long time. Unfortunately, many of those health issues, such as congestive heart failure, tend to worsen rapidly when they do worsen.

If She’s Expressed a Desire to Leave Her Home.

Your elderly family member could be perfectly fine at home from a standpoint of health and safety, but she may want to leave for emotional reasons. If your aging adult is in need of more emotional support, she may express that to you. You might want to talk with your senior about what she needs and what she feels will support her best.

If Your Best Option for Being Her Caregiver Means She Needs to Live with You.

In some cases, the decision for your senior to leave her home rests more on the fact that you aren’t able to be her best caregiver with the situation as it is. You may have commitments and obligations that keep you where you are, meaning your elderly family member has to change her situation. This may not be something either of you wanted, but it might mean the best care for your senior ultimately, making it the option you need to choose.

Your elderly family member likely wants to age in place for as long as she possibly can. Toward that end, most of your caregiving duties probably revolve around that goal. When that’s no longer something that is feasible, though, you’ll know that it’s time to have this talk. Elderly care providers can be incredibly helpful during and after this time to help you both adjust.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Collegeville, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Did You Know You Might Reduce Caregiver Stress Through Writing?

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Caregiver stress can affect people of all ages, even those who have an incredibly close relationship with the person who needs assistance and support. It might be a parent, spouse, or sibling, for example. Just because there is a close personal relationship with this individual doesn’t mean stress won’t occur.

Caregiver in Bryn Mawr PA: Reducing Stress Through Writing

Caregiver in Bryn Mawr PA: Reducing Stress Through Writing

For those family caregivers struggling at the moment, there are strategies that can help.

One of the most effective things people do, or turn to, is understanding the value of home care support services. Home care aides are a valuable asset for men and women of all ages who have any type of difficulty at home with their basic care. It could be for only a few weeks or a couple of months, or it may need to go on indefinitely.

For those men and women who have taken on the role of being a caregiver for somebody in their life, the stress they feel isn’t just going to dissipate because they try to ignore it. There are numerous strategies that can be effective, though, and one of them is to engage in writing.

Why writing?

A person doesn’t have to have any real serious ability or understanding of grammar, spelling, and other factors that go into quality writing to sit down and create a journal, blog, or diary.

Keeping track of what goes on every day, the thoughts this person has on a regular basis, and the other challenges in life can all be powerful. They can be cathartic. By writing these things down, it helps them to bring them to the surface and then deal with them in the right way.

Far too often when we are frustrated, angry, and hostile towards somebody or something, we don’t deal with our emotions properly. The situation can escalate, even when supporting somebody you care tremendously about.

If you were to go home at the end of the day, no matter how tired you are from work, and sit down to write in a journal, even just a few lines about your day, over time you may feel better about things.

This isn’t going to eliminate stress completely from your life. If you want that miracle, then you should seriously sit down and talk about hiring a home care aide. Home care professionals provide many wonderful benefits to aging seniors and disabled adults all across the country. They also help alleviate the pressure and stress far too many family caregivers endure on a daily basis.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Bryn Mawr, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

How Can You Protect Your Senior’s Safety On a Road Trip?

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Going on vacation is something that many families look forward to every summer. A vacation with your family is a fantastic way to connect, make memories, spend quality time together, and experience new things, or revisit places that are meaningful to you. As a family caregiver, planning a vacation is not just about thinking of all the wonderful things you’ll do together, and making sure you plan what everybody wants to do. You must also keep in mind your senior’s needs and how you can help them stay safer and healthier throughout the vacation experience.

Home Care in Wayne PA: Road Trip Safety

Home Care in Wayne PA: Road Trip Safety

Use these tips to protect your senior’s safety on a road trip:

  • Make sure there’s enough space in the vehicle for your parent to sit comfortably and shift positions. Nothing should be pressing against your parent, or restricting their movement.
  • Insist your senior wears their seatbelt at all times throughout the travel.
  • Make sure your parent dresses comfortably and in layers so they can quickly and easily adjust their temperature and not become excessively hot or cold.
  • Do not place any luggage where it could slide and potentially injure your senior.
  • If your parent has wandering tendencies, do not leave them alone in the car or allow them to go into rest areas or other unfamiliar locations by themselves.
  • Consider having your parent carry or wear a personal GPS tracking device that will allow you to keep track of them should they get out of your sight during a break in the trip.

 

Bringing your senior along with you on a road trip can be wonderful, but it isn’t always possible. Simply because you are a family caregiver for an aging adult who is not able to be as active as the rest of your family doesn’t mean you are no longer able to enjoy your annual vacation. There is help available that allows you to still take your vacation, while knowing your parent is safe and properly cared for. If you are planning a vacation with your family, but don’t feel it would be appropriate to bring your senior along, consider respite care. This type of care can be used in conjunction with your parent’s regular home care provider to ensure they have continuous access to the care they need. With respite care, an additional care provider steps in to manage care tasks that you would usually handle yourself. This means they still have someone with them as much as they need to, while you’re able to go enjoy your quality time with your partner and children, take a break, and relax.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Wayne, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

How Can Elder Care Help a Senior with Migraines?

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If you are a family caregiver for one of the approximately 38 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with migraines, you know that this condition can bring with it many different symptoms and struggles for your senior. This can be difficult not just for their physical health, but for their mental and emotional well-being as well. Fortunately, starting elder care for them can be extremely beneficial in supplementing the care you already give them to ensure their needs are met, they manage their condition well, and they can pursue the quality of life they deserve.

Elder Care in Worcester PA: Helping Seniors with Migraines

Elder Care in Worcester PA: Helping Seniors with Migraines

Some ways elder care can help a senior with migraines include:

  • Medication reminders. If your aging parent has been prescribed medications for their migraines, it is important that they remain compliant with when to take them, and how. A care provider can offer your parent reminders to ensure they stay compliant so they can get the benefits their doctor intends for them.
  • Meal preparation. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of staying healthy, and can also reduce the frequency with which your aging parent experiences migraines. Eating the right foods, avoiding any food-related triggers such as additives and preserved foods, and maintaining a healthy weight all help to prevent migraines. For those seniors in the midst of a migraine, meal preparation can also allow them to rest rather than trying to get up to cook.
  • Assistance with household tasks. In the days before, during, and even after a migraine, your parent is likely to experience lack of energy and sensitivity. The symptoms of the attack may also reduce their ability to handle basic daily tasks such as tidying, dishes, and laundry. A care provider can handle these for your senior so they can focus on resting and recovering.
  • Monitoring symptoms. Most often migraines do not require medical attention. If your parent experiences a sudden, intense headache, severe symptoms, or other challenges an elder care provider can be there for your parent to monitor their symptoms, and ensure if there is any change or emergency, they can alert you immediately so you can decide what needs to be done next.

 

Helping your aging parent cope with their migraines isn’t the only way an elderly home care services provider can help your parent. This type of professional care can be invaluable for your senior whether they have only mild needs or more extensive challenges. The personalized care of an elderly care provider can help your parent to save their energy for activities beyond caring for their home, provide support to engage in more activity, particularly if they are dealing with mobility issues, and even make it easier for them to pursue a healthier lifestyle through efforts such as encouraging exercise and preparation of healthy meals and snacks.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Worcester, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

 

Good Aerobic Health Could Make Word Recall Easier

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The fact that exercise is essential to good health is no secret. You probably know that exercise can improve physical health in a number of ways. However, have you ever considered whether it might also be good for your aging relative’s brain? Recently, researchers at Britain’s University of Birmingham wondered how aerobic exercise might affect the ability to recall words.

Senior Care in Abington PA: Aerobic Health and Word Recall

Senior Care in Abington PA: Aerobic Health and Word Recall

About the Study.

The lead researcher, Katrien Segaert, is a language researcher and a psychologist. In her studies, she had observed a large variance in the language abilities of aging adults. This made her curious as to whether fitness played a role.

Many people occasionally find themselves temporarily forgetting a word or a name. It’s that feeling you get when a word is on the tip of your tongue. You know what the word means, but you can’t remember the word itself. Through the course of the study, the researchers found that older adults who were more fit experienced this inability to recall a word less.

The study involved 28 healthy older adults. The participants spent some time riding a stationary bicycle at their top capacity to measure how fit they were. They also had them take a language test in which they read the definition of a word on a computer screen and were asked to supply the word. Those who measured as more physically fit performed better on the word recall test. The results of the study indicate that there is a relationship between physical fitness and a major cognitive skill.

Good Forms of Exercise for Seniors.

Older adults may be reluctant to exercise because they fear injury or joint pain. However, there are many kinds of exercise that can improve fitness while still being safe and easy on elderly joints. Some excellent forms of exercise for older adults are:

  • Swimming or Water Exercise: The warm water of a pool can be soothing on aching joints. Swimming and water aerobics are also low-impact.
  • Yoga: Yoga is low-impact and the movements are gentle. Yet, it can still improve aerobic fitness, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility.
  • Walking: Walking is gentle and free. It only takes a good pair of walking shoes and can be much more fun when done with a companion, like a dog or a friend.

 

Regardless of the form of exercise your aging relative chooses, a senior care provider can help in several ways. First, a senior care provider can encourage the older adult to remain active. Senior care providers can drive your loved one to a group fitness class. They can also go for walks with the senior to prevent falls and make the experience more enjoyable.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Abington, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

 

Sources

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2018/memory-loss-aerobic-exercise.html

https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/best-exercise-older-adults/

 

What Types of Online Support Groups Could You Find?

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Many times you might need support for yourself as a caregiver, but it’s difficult to find exactly what you need. Rather than spending a lot of time and energy hunting down in-person support groups, you might want to try online support groups. Here are a few types to consider.

Caregiver in Lafayette Hill PA: Online Support Groups

Caregiver in Lafayette Hill PA: Online Support Groups

Forums and Message Boards.

Forums and message boards are really easy to use and they work almost like a cork message board might. Members make a post and then other members reply to the post underneath, creating a thread. This is a way that you can post a question or describe your situation at a time that is convenient for you and then other people will reply when it’s convenient for them to do so.

Chat Rooms.

Chat rooms are more of a “live” experience. This usually involves logging into a group chat area that becomes a running conversation among all of the users who are logged in and chatting at that time. Some support groups might maintain an archive of past chats that members can access later. Many support groups “meet” at a set time in chat rooms. This is a great way to get live support when you need it.

Email Lists and Newsgroups.

Newsgroups and email lists usually involve members signing up to access a particular list. Then, as someone sends an email to the main list, all of the subscribers to the list are able to see that email as a post. These can get overwhelming quickly on a busy list, so it’s often a good idea to sign up for the digest version that sends one longer email with all of the messages that have been sent to the list.

In-person Groups May Have an Online Presence.

Sometimes in-person support groups in your area also have an online presence. This might be through their own website or through a national group’s site. This can be a really great way to get to know a group before attending meetings in person. It’s also a way that you can get support if you’re not able to get to those in-person meetings but still want to connect with that particular group.

Online support groups give you an opportunity to get support whenever you need it, day or night. They can also help you to reach out when you’re still not comfortable attending an in-person meeting just yet. As with in-person meetings, each online support group has its own feel so you might need to try a few groups to find the right fit for you.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Lafayette Hill, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

 

 

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Eagleville PA 19403
Tel: (610) 674-6860
Fax: (484) 679-4730

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