Helpful Solutions to Common Issues Family Caregivers Face

March 29, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Being a family caregiver takes careful planning and a willingness to be flexible. Even in the best of situations, you’re going to run into issues from time to time. Use these helpful solutions to get past these hurdles.

Home Care in Dresher PA: Solutions for Common Caregiving Issues

You Have to Take a Trip.

When your job requires you to travel, you don’t always have the ability to say no. If you’re the family caregiver to your mom on a part-time basis, and you suddenly have to take a week-long business trip, it can be a hassle.

Keep a list of back-up caregivers available. You may need your sister to fill in for you for the week. If she can’t cover every day, you might need to split days between a few family friends or relatives. If that fails, talk to a home care agency about added care services while you’re out of town.

Your Parent is Combative.

Some chronic conditions and illnesses can make a parent temperamental. Some seniors with dementia have been known to hit, slap, kick, bite, and shove their caregivers. This can be really hard to handle emotionally and physically.

If this happens, talk to a doctor first. Sometimes, pain can present itself as rage and violence. It could be as simple as a parent having a UTI. Try to find out what triggered the agitation. It might happen at certain times of day. If that’s the case, make that a good time for your parent to spend time alone watching a movie or taking a nap.

Your Parent Won’t Eat.

Your mom loves pan-fried cod. It was always her favorite meal, but you’ve made it and she says it’s disgusting and that the oil you used is rancid. She refuses to eat it. You’ve noticed the only foods she eats now are very sweet. She goes through a bunch of bananas every other day. She’s eating cases of yogurt. She won’t eat foods you cook, however.

As you age, your taste buds change. Cells doesn’t repair as quickly. This can make foods taste dull or unpleasant. Your parent may not be eating because the food doesn’t taste good. Try using fresh herbs and garlic to add flavor. You may also need to try new foods and see if any are appealing.

Don’t let family caregiving weigh too heavily. You don’t need to take on that additional stress. Work with a home care agency to make sure care is always available on the days you need it.

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

What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

March 21, 2018 By David Goldenberg

When a person has diabetes, it can cause their blood sugar levels (also called blood glucose levels) to rise to an unhealthy level. In healthy people, the hormone insulin allows the body to use glucose for energy. But, when a person has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or it cannot use insulin properly. This is what causes blood sugar levels to get too high. Understanding what can make blood sugar rise can help to better manage diabetes in your elderly family member. Below are some foods that can cause blood sugar spikes.

Elderly Care in King of Prussia PA: What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

Bagels.

Managing diabetes involves watching the carbohydrates that the diabetic consumes. Bread, of course, is a major source of carbs. But, people are often surprised to find out that the kind of bread product a person eats makes a difference. Bagels are a perfect example. The average 4.5-inch diameter bagel contains more carbs than a glazed donut! There are about 294 calories and 58 grams of carbs in a bagel that size. In comparison, an English muffin contains only 140 calories and 27 grams of carbs. If the older adult enjoys bagels, consider getting mini bagels or serving just half a bagel.

Sugary Drinks.

Its best to avoid soda and other sugary drinks. That includes sports drinks. Sports drinks might be great for helping the body to re-hydrate, but they also contain a lot of carbs. The average sports drink has as much as 19 grams of carbs in an 8-ounce serving. When your aging family member is thirsty, reach for water or an unsweetened beverage again.

Some Fruits.

Fruits contain sugar, but some kinds of fruit contain more than others. In fact, the same kind of fruit can have more sugar in one form than in another. For example, a serving of 10 fresh grapes (about 1.75 ounces) has 34 calories and 8 grams of sugar. Now, take those grapes and turn them into raisins and a 1.5 ounce serving has 129 calories and 15 grams of sugar.

Fatty Foods.

Fatty foods can contribute to blood sugar spikes because they take a long time for the body to digest. As a result, they can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. It’s okay for diabetics to eat fatty foods in moderation, just be sure to make up for it in other food eaten that day.

Concerned about sugar spikes in your diabetic family member? Elderly care can help your senior to avoid them. An elderly care provider can make meals that stick to the established meal plan. They can also monitor the amount of carbs the senior is eating and help them to make better choices. Elderly care providers can even help to plan meals and take the older adult shopping for healthy ingredients that will help keep blood sugar levels under control.

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

Sources

https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/living-with/foods-that-spike-blood-sugar/

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/foods-drinks-blood-sugar-swings#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317215.php

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-care/everyday-things-spike-blood-sugar-pictures/#03

Is Arrhythmia a Serious Condition?

March 15, 2018 By David Goldenberg

When many people think about serious heart conditions the first thing that they think about is a heart attack. They may also think about stroke or cardiac arrest. As a family caregiver it is important that you recognize that these are not the only serious heart issues that your parent may face, and that they do not always appear independently. They can be caused by other conditions, making it essential that you understand the risks that your parent is facing and help them to make the right choices regarding their ongoing health management.

Senior Care in Abington PA: Heart Arrhythmia

One condition that may seem more of a nuisance than a true problem but that can, in fact, be very serious is arrhythmia. This term is used to describe a condition that causes the heart rhythm to become uneven or irregular. This can mean beating too fast, too slow, or erratically. While there are some instances when this can be mild and not cause serious problems, in other circumstances it can be severe. Arrhythmia negatively impacts the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body, and in cases of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, the erratic heart rhythm can become so severe that the heart trembles and is unable to pump blood at all. This can result in your parents fainting or even experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Long periods of time without sufficient blood flow throughout the body can result in damage to the organs and reduction of other functions. Arrhythmia can also dramatically increase the risk of stroke.

If your elderly parent suffers arrhythmia, it is very important that you work closely with their medical team to understand what they are facing and what you can do to help reduce these risks and protect your parents from potentially severe consequences of their heart rhythm disorder.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your parent has access to the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them. This means that they are able to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in ways that are efficient, meaningful, and respectful of their beliefs, opinions, lifestyle, and goals. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs, fulfillment of activities of daily living, mobility support, help with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, companionship, and more. As their caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that they can pursue the highest quality of life both when you are with them and when they are with their care provider.

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.

Source

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_001087_SubHomePage.jsp

Elder Care: Running Errands

March 8, 2018 By David Goldenberg

It is not uncommon for senior adults to no longer drive. This can mean that they are not able to get out of their house to complete necessary tasks such as running errands on their own. If this is the case for your aging parent, you may find yourself running errands for them when you are already out doing things for the rest of your family, such as doing their grocery shopping while you do your own or picking up prescriptions for them while you are on your way home from work. While this can be efficient, it can also leave your parent feeling less involved in their own life. Fortunately it is not the only way that such tasks can be completed. Elder care can offer your parent the ability to run their own errands. This can offer a variety of benefits both your parents and to you.

Elder Care in Ardmore PA: Help with Running Errands

Some of the ways that an elderly home care services provider can help your parent and you with the personalized task of helping your parent run errands include:

Encouraging your parents to get out of the house more often, which offers physical activity and social interaction.
Stimulating your parents mind through the experience of being out of the house, choosing items at a store, paying for items, and the other tasks that are done when running errands.
Giving your parent a greater sense of independence and autonomy by being able to run these errands when it is right for them rather than having to work around your schedule or simply wait for you to do it for them.
Giving your parent greater control by allowing them to shop for their own groceries, choose their own items, and make other decisions for themselves.
Relieving you of the stress that can come from feeling as though you have more to do on your schedule that you are actually able to complete.
Giving you more time and energy to focus on other obligations or on taking care of yourself.

Starting elder care for your aging loved one can be one of the best decisions that you make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a fully customized schedule to ensure that they have consistent access to the care and support that they need to manage their challenges and limitations in the way that is right for them. This means that your senior can address their health challenges, stay physically and mentally active, maintain their mental and emotional health and well-being, and continue to find fulfillment during this chapter in their life. As their family caregiver, knowing that your parent has access to this care can ease your stress and help you to focus your energy, attention, and resources on your parent and the other responsibilities in your life in the most efficient ways possible.

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

What Does Mom or Dad Need to Pack for the Hospital?

March 1, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Most elderly people end up staying overnight in the hospital for one reason or another. It could be due to a scheduled procedure, surgery, or in an emergency situation. Regardless of the reason for the overnight hospital stay, your elderly parent should have an overnight bag filled with things they need. However, deciding what to pack for your mom or dad’s visit can leave some caregivers frustrated and overwhelmed.

Caregiver in Villanova PA: Packing for a Hospital Stay

Hospitals provide the very basics that their patients need to be comfortable and clean. Of course, this leaves out a lot of things that may help an elderly person get along for the duration of the stay. Everything from toiletries to clothing items can be brought from home. Some hospitals have banned certain items but for the most part, staffers don’t mind an overnight bag for patients.

So what should you pack for your elderly mom or dad as they face a hospital stay? It’s helpful to break it down into several categories that can be customized to fit your elderly parent’s needs.

Clothing.

This is the easiest one to do, because patients are given hospital gowns to wear. Any other clothing must come from home. Many seniors appreciate a robe or cardigan sweater to stay warm. Socks or slippers can protect feet from cold tile flooring. Some seniors want a hat or cap to wear as well. Of course, clean underwear is very important for every elderly patient.

Toiletries.

Hospitals usually provide soap and hand sanitizer but that’s about it. Many seniors do best when they have soap, shampoo, and deodorant from home. Other necessary toiletries include a toothbrush and toothpaste, hair brush, makeup, shaving accessories, tissues, sanitary wipes, lip balm, and lotion. Avoid bringing perfume or bulky grooming products like hair dryers to the hospital—they won’t be allowed.

Entertainment.

Hospitals can be very boring, so having things to do can be helpful for the elderly. If they are into tablets or readers, make sure you bring the chargers to the hospital room. Books and magazines can also help pass the time. Small games are fun to play with visitors, such as cards, puzzles, or dice. If your elderly parent does hand crafts like crocheting, that might also help them fill the hours.

Paperwork.

Your aging parent should always have a written list of their history. Hospital staff change every shift and every day, so it’s good to have one source of information for all to read. The paper should have the patient name, preferred language, age, address, and medical history. Other good information to include is current medication and doses, any allergies, doctor contact information, and family caregiver contact information.

Legal Papers.

Although you might not need it, many caregivers include copies of relevant legal paperwork in their elderly parent’s overnight bag. Copies of insurance cards and health care documents are a good start. Things like power of attorney, living wills, and any do-not-resuscitate orders can help in stressful emergency situations.

Extras.

There are numerous miscellaneous items that may make a difference in an elderly parent’s hospital visit. These can include a little cash, hearing aid batteries, notebook and pen, and even a small family photo.

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

Source:

30 Items I Pack in My Hospital Bag for a More Comfortable Stay

What is an Eye Stroke?

February 22, 2018 By David Goldenberg

The American Heart Association reports that one-third of people who experience an eye stroke receive follow-up care to determine their risk for having a more serious stroke. Yet, one percent of people who have eye strokes go on to have a regular stroke in just 90 days. Some experts believe that eye strokes aren’t always reported. Part of the problem may be that people don’t always recognize what is going on. Knowing more about eye strokes could help to ensure an older adult receives the care they need.

Home Care in Worcester PA: What is an Eye Stroke?

What Happens During an Eye Stroke?

You may hear an eye stroke referred to as a retinal artery occlusion. An eye stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the retina becomes blocked or narrows so that blood flow is restricted. This means that the retina isn’t getting enough blood. During an eye stroke, blood and fluid may flow out into the retina, causing swelling. This can quickly result in damage to the retina and a loss of vision.

What Are the Risk Factors?

The risk factors for an eye stroke are much the same as those for a regular stroke. If your aging relative has a history of the following conditions or has had a family member with one of them, they may be at greater risk:

Elevated cholesterol levels.
Chest pain.
Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Glaucoma.
Heart attack.
Stroke.
Atherosclerosis.

In addition to the above risk factors, a person’s age and gender can increase their risk. People in their 60’s have an elevated risk, and men are at greater risk than women.

What Are the Symptoms?

There is usually no pain associated with an eye stroke, but there are other signs. A change in vision that comes on rapidly is one sign to watch for. The person may suddenly see floaters or lose their peripheral vision. Or, their vision may become blurry or distorted. Sometimes a person having an eye stroke will suddenly lose vision in one eye. Sudden changes in vision should be treated as an emergency. If your older adult relative experiences a vision change, call 911.

People who are at risk for eye stroke or regular stroke can benefit from the assistance of home care. A home care provider can watch for signs of a stroke and call for emergency care if needed. If the older adult is taking medications to prevent stroke, a home care provider can remind them when it’s time to take their medicine. Home care providers can also remind older adults about upcoming medical appointments, and even drive them to the appointment.

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

Sources

https://news.heart.org/eye-stroke-patients-often-dont-get-proper-care/

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-occlusions.htm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317877.php

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

February 15, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Awareness is one of the most important tools that you can use as a family caregiver to ensure that you are giving your aging loved one the care that they need to handle the challenges that they face as they age in place. One way that you can use this awareness is by educating yourself about the particular risks that they face so that you can detect when they’re saying they might be suffering from an illness or health challenge that could compromise their well-being, such as shingles. This potentially devastating virus affects approximately one million people throughout the United States each year and the risk for developing it increases with age. Identifying the signs and symptoms of the illness allows you to ensure that your parent gets the medical attention that they need as soon as possible so that they can reduce the severity and help to minimize the potential complication and consequences.

Elderly Care in Lafayette Hill PA: Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Some of the signs and symptoms of shingles include:

Pain.
Burning.
Tingling.
Numbness.
Sensitivity to touch.
Red rash that develops within a few days of the pain.
Rash that contains fluid-filled blisters that then burst and crust over.
Itching.
Headache.
Fever.
Fatigue.
Sensitivity to light.

The rash can develop on any area of the body but most commonly occurs on the torso. If it develops on the face it can move toward the eye and lead to serious complications including vision loss. It is very important if you notice any of these symptoms in your aging parent that you get them to the doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and to begin the type of treatment that would be right for them.

If your aging parent has been struggling with challenges that you do not feel you can meet, your schedule is too busy for you to give them the level of care that they need, you struggle with your own limitations that keep you from giving them adequate care, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care and attention, now may be the ideal time for you to start elderly care for them. Through elderly care your aging parent can manage their challenges and limitations, seek a more active and engaged lifestyle, and maintain as much independence as possible as they age in place. The services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs, help with keeping the home clean and tidy, meal preparation, and companionship to support mental and emotional health and well-being.

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

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html

Why Are Balance Exercises Important for Your Aging Adult?

February 8, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Balance exercises are any type of exercise that involves your senior having to rely on her body and muscles to keep her upright. Some types of balance exercises could include special stretches that work on her posture as well as yoga or tai chi. Your senior might enjoy using streaming courses at home or even attending classes at a local gym. But why are they so important?

Senior Care in King of Prussia PA: The Importance of Balance Exercises

They Improve Her Balance.

It might go without saying that balance exercises can improve your senior’s balance, but many people avoid these types of exercises if their balance is bad. Over time, the muscles necessary for helping your elderly family member maintain her balance become stronger. As she continues, she may even want to increase the amount of time she spends doing these types of exercises.

They Can Help Her Mobility.

Along with improving her balance, these types of exercises also help to improve her overall mobility. Because your senior isn’t constantly worried about losing her balance and falling, she’s free to start moving in a more relaxed way again. If your senior is tense, she’s not going to move as fluidly as she needs to.

They’re Good for Fall Prevention.

Now that your senior is balancing her body better and she’s able to move more easily, she’s going to naturally be less likely to fall. That’s why your elderly family member’s doctor is likely to recommend balance exercises if she’s at a higher risk of falling. Continuing to perform these exercises can keep her from injuring herself.

They Help Her to Be More Confident about Movement.

Now that she’s at a lower risk of falling and her mobility and balance have both improved, your senior is going to find more joy in moving. She’ll also be more confident when she does need to walk or move in other ways. Moving confidently means that she won’t be wobbly or otherwise off-center, which is a huge improvement if your elderly family member has had difficulty moving in the past.

Work with your elderly family member to determine when she wants to do her balance exercises every day. Having a routine helps everyone, including other family members and senior care providers, to help your senior.

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

Foods to Avoid with IBS

February 1, 2018 By David Goldenberg

We’d like to be able to tell you that by changing your elderly parent’s diet, you can solve all of their problems with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Unfortunately, if we did that, we’d be lying. People experience IBS symptoms differently, so there isn’t a diet plan that will work for everyone. However, there are some foods that are commonly thought of as triggers for IBS symptoms. Here are some foods to avoid.

Caregiver in Berwyn PA: Foods to Avoid with IBS

Insoluble Fiber.

In reality, fiber can be either a friend or a foe to someone with IBS. It all depends on whether they experience constipation or diarrhea. Those with constipation may need more fiber, while those with diarrhea need less. Experts say the solution may be to include soluble fiber in the diet of an IBS sufferer with constipation because it can cause less bloating. Foods with soluble fiber are:

Legumes.
Berries.
Root vegetables.
Grains.

Dairy Foods.

The fat in dairy foods can cause diarrhea. Changing to low-fat dairy products might help. Also, people with IBS are often lactose intolerant. Lactose-free alternatives to dairy products are soy milk, almond milk, and soy cheese. If your parent has to eliminate dairy to ease IBS symptoms, they may need a calcium supplement. Talk to their doctor to find out for sure.

Drinks Containing Caffeine.

The caffeine in coffee, soda, or tea can stimulate the intestines and lead to diarrhea. Choose decaffeinated drinks instead. If your parent complains that they miss the energy boost from caffeine, suggest they take a brisk walk or have a snack instead.

Gluten.

Lots of people with IBS are gluten intolerant. Gluten is a kind of protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. If gluten triggers IBS symptoms in your parent, look for gluten-free products.

Alcohol.

The gluten in beer and the sugars in wine can be triggers for those with IBS. In addition, alcohol can affect digestion, too. If your parent enjoys a drink now and then, look for gluten-free beer or make mixed drinks with plain seltzer and no sweeteners or sugars.

As a family caregiver to an elderly person with IBS, you may find it helpful to track your parent’s symptoms to determine which foods may be triggers. If you’re not the only caregiver for your parent, make sure everyone is aware of the need to track foods eaten and the results. Caregivers should also all be aware of known triggers so that they are not included in any meals that are prepared for your parent.

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

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/ibs/ibs-triggers-prevention-strategies#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/foods-to-avoid-with-ibs

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/eating-diet-nutrition

7 Most Common Chronic Conditions for Elderly Adults

January 25, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Chronic conditions in the elderly are illnesses and diseases that are not caused by a virus or bacteria and have no cure. They are triggered by age, genetics, and lifestyle choices for food and diet. While there are no cures for common chronic conditions for aging adults, many of them present symptoms that can be managed by medicine, physical therapy, surgery, changes to diet, and increasing activity levels.

Elder Care in Villanova PA: Common Chronic Conditions

Family members should try to learn all they can about the signs and symptoms of the most common chronic illnesses in the elderly. They, along with other family members, elder care assistants and doctors, may be the first to notice the warning signs in their elderly loved ones. When the chronic illnesses are diagnosed early on, treatments are more effective and the aging adult can possibly prevent the progression of the condition.

Here are the 7 most common chronic conditions that affect elderly adults in the United States of America, according to the Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure: 58 percent of the elderly population.
High Cholesterol: 47 percent of the elderly population.
Arthritis: 31 percent of the elderly population.
Coronary Heart Disease: 29 percent of the elderly population.
Diabetes: 27 percent of the elderly population.
Chronic Kidney Disease: 18 percent of the elderly population.
Heart Failure: 14 percent of the elderly population.

Other chronic conditions that are also common in seniors include depression, osteoporosis, glaucoma, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services report that 80 percent of seniors over age 65 are living with at least one chronic illness, and 68 percent are living with two or more of these conditions.

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic illness can cause elderly adults to worry. They may feel that the symptoms will prevent them from living independently, and that their quality of life will change drastically. Some seniors try to hide their symptoms or live in denial because they don’t want to invite such changes into their lives. However, catching chronic diseases early is the best way to effectively manage them. That’s why family caregivers are an important part of recognizing symptoms and facilitating help.

Both family caregivers and elderly adults with chronic illnesses can do their part and access all the available resources. There are many ways to enhance an aging adult’s independence and boost their quality of life, even with a chronic condition. From elder care agencies and community senior services to meal delivery programs and more, there’s a big support system that can help elderly adults and their family caregivers to live well despite a chronic illness.

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

Source:

Top 10 Chronic Conditions in Adults 65+ and What You Can do to Prevent or Manage Them

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Non-Medical Home Care

Helpful Solutions to Common Issues Family Caregivers Face

What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

Is Arrhythmia a Serious Condition?

Elder Care: Running Errands

What Does Mom or Dad Need to Pack for the Hospital?

What is an Eye Stroke?

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Why Are Balance Exercises Important for Your Aging Adult?

Foods to Avoid with IBS

7 Most Common Chronic Conditions for Elderly Adults

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