Elder abuse and neglect are more common than not. As a loved one living with someone who needs help from a caregiver, you need to know the signs so you can get help right away. Sometimes it is not as straightforward as you would expect, but there are warning signs that you need to be … Read more
How to Select the Best Home Care Provider for your Loved One in Vermont and New Hampshire Area.
There is no way for you to avoid it; we all get older. As we get older, we begin to forget or are unable to do day to day tasks by ourselves anymore. All persons are different, and each requires care at other times. Finding the right person to attend to your loved one can be stressful. How can you be sure the provider you hire is up to the task? Here are a few tips to help you hire the best home care provider in the Vermont and New Hampshire areas.
Your Loved One’s Doctor, Friends, and Other Family Members
Your doctor will provide the type of medical help your loved one needs and recommend locating the most effective caregiver. Besides, it is smart to include the physician from the beginning because their assistance may be required later. Involving family and friends is one of the most important things to do while acquiring home health care. They may put more input into the deciding factors and may know certain things that your loved one loves to do and needs daily.
What Are Your In-Home Care Needs?
To start, you want to go through your loved ones’ daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) to ensure pinpointing the correct care needed.
ADL Self-Care Tasks:
● Hygiene and grooming
● Bathing or showering
● Getting dressed
● Toilet hygiene
● Getting around the home
● Eating
What is Your Budget?
You need to know what you can afford to pay for a home health care provider. Of course, depending on your loved one’s situation, they may qualify for additional funds such as Medicare, Medicaid, other health insurance providers, or long-term disability insurance.
Finding a Home Healthcare Provider
One of the most qualified home care providers in the Vermont and New Hampshire area is TLC Home Care. They are fully equipped with the knowledge, a talented team, and resources to provide the best care for your loved one. Their team is well trained to provide your family member a longer, healthier, and independent life. On their website, you can see all their services and how to contact them for further information.
How to Help Your Senior Loved One Get Better Sleep
Sleep is vital to us all, but as we age, it becomes harder to get the seven to nine hours of shuteye that most healthy adults require. Particularly in the elderly, the amount of time spent in deep sleep (the most refreshing stage of sleep) decreases – in part because the body produces lower levels of growth hormones.
Stay active
Even if seniors aren’t able to stay physically active, keeping mentally fit can help when it’s time to hit the hay.
Avoid naps late in the day
It’s important to avoid napping too late in the day; however, as this can result in insomnia at bedtime.
Create a bedtime routine
The most important thing is to start and stick to the routine as often as possible.
Power off screens
The blue light emitted by most electronics signals our brains that it’s time to wake up. Blue light-blocking glasses are also available to help filter out these rays in the hours prior to turning in.
Optimize temperature
The best room temperature for sleep is around sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Individuals who consume alcohol before bed are also more likely to experience a decrease in sleep quality and disruptions to sleep.
Seek medical help
If you’ve ruled out other possible causes of insomnia or trouble getting quality sleep, it may be time to seek advice from a medical professional.
• Sleep apnea
• Movement disorders
There are many other illnesses and conditions that may interfere with sleep, and it’s always best to check with a medical professional as to the best course of action if a problem is suspected.
Activities and Tips to Keep Homebound Seniors Mentally Fit
With more of us spending time at home than ever before, it’s only natural for boredom to creep in, especially for seniors, who are especially prone to loneliness, depression, and memory loss. The good news is that there are some great ways to keep older minds sharp and mentally fit. Research has even shown that some brain-building activities can even reverse memory loss and reduce depression. Read on for ideas, brain benefits, and more! Topics covered in this article includes:
Taking a class
Reading or listening to a book
Puzzles and games
Make music
Arts and crafts
Write
Get quality sleep
CAREGIVER PROTOCOLS for In-Home Care Developed in the Context of the Public Health Emergency Related to COVID-19 by Family Member for other Family Members* *This document (prepared and printed as of April 22, 2020) was developed in the context of the public health emergency related to COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) specifically for the purpose of assisting caregivers … Read more
Did you know? Maintaining one’s personal hygiene is not just for grooming purposes. It’s also indicates that the person is in a good physical and mental condition such that they’re able to care for themselves. As we provide Senior Home Care in Burlington, Vermont, we ensure that our elderly clients are still well-groomed, overseeing their … Read more
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Recommended Precautions for Caregivers SUMMARY – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread and has been confirmed in multiple states. This notice provides information to homecare providers and caregivers on the symptoms, prevention and precautionary measures one should take in caring for an individual who may be experiencing symptoms. PREVENTION – There … Read more
One of the most prevalent reasons that a client chooses to see me in my Independent Living facility clinic is hypertension. They will usually describe to me in detail how they went to the MD office that week, and that while they were there the MD was concerned about their blood pressure is too high. … Read more