According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, about a million people in the United States (and 10 million people worldwide) are living with Parkinson’s disease, while another 60,000 Americans receive the diagnosis every year. This progressive nervous system disorder is most common in those over age 60, but it can impact younger individuals, as well. If someone in your life suffers from Parkinson’s, you well know the challenges they face with tremors, imbalance, stiffness and coordination. As the disease progresses, these tremors may start to interfere with daily life, and they might face additional symptoms like depression, emotional issues, sleep disorders, trouble eating and incontinence. Securing home care services, becoming a caregiver yourself, or a combination of both options will help your loved one live the highest quality of life possible within the scope of his or her symptoms. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Caring.com, and Healthline share these suggestions to help offer the best care for your loved one with Parkinson’s: Be There for Medical Visits Your loved one will appreciate the moral support of your presence at the doctor’s office, but it’s also important that you listen carefully and take notes regarding their condition. They may not be able to remember all the details. The doctor may also be able to offer some advice to you as a caregiver. Stay Informed Read as much as you can about Parkinson’s so you understand the disease and what your loved one will go through. You’ll also want to be well-versed about your loved one’s insurance: what type of coverage do they have for prescriptions, therapy and long-term needs? Watch for Changes Parkinson’s doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some cases progress more quickly than others. Watch your parent or loved one carefully to notice any changes in their movement or behavior as the result of the disease or perhaps as a side effect of certain medications. Always report any changes to their doctor. They might not notice the changes or forget to tell their doctor. Get Organized You’ll need to keep track of medical and therapy appointments as well as prescriptions. Help ensure your parent or loved one is taking all necessary medications on schedule. Listen Allow your loved one to retain as much independence as possible. They may need more help later on but continue to offer what is necessary and welcome. Listen as they talk about their needs and concerns. Chances are, they are also afraid and might appreciate the opportunity to talk about their feelings. Ask for Help It takes a team to care for a loved one with Parkinson’s. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. This is essential to prevent caregiver burnout. Being the best possible caregiver for your loved one with Parkinson’s means taking care of yourself, too. You may find that some in-home assistance to help with simple tasks such as grocery shopping and errands might provide you with a lot of relief and extra time. You might also consider joining a support group for caregivers. It’s helpful to have the support and advice of people who are experiencing a similar journey. Get Professional Assistance In addition to your loved one, you may also have a career and a family that need your attention. Working with a home care company will allow yourself more time to focus on your loved one with Parkinson’s as well as the other areas of your life. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed or stressed caring for a loved one. Be sure to seek help when you need it. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has been serving the Denver area with home care assistance for over 30 years. We send caregivers into the home to assist you or your loved one with the activities of daily living. Don’t wait until you feel burned out, resentful or overwhelmed caring for your loved one, please contact us to help ensure your loved one is able to age in place with comfort and dignity.
As we get older, certain conditions become much more common. While most of us think of arthritis, muscle pain, or insomnia, one of the more insidious conditions that plague seniors is depression. The only thing worse than how common depression is in seniors, according to the National Institute on Aging, is how hard it can be to manage. While depression can be a struggle, the following tips can help you manage it in your aging loved ones. Tip #1: Look For The Symptoms The first thing you have to do in order to manage depression is to recognize the symptoms in your loved ones. While things like lethargy and distraction may be due to natural aging, there are other, clearer symptoms that should run up red flags when you see them. Things like not eating for extended periods of time, or no longer taking pleasure in activities that once brought them joy. This list of potential symptoms of senior depression from Help Guide is good to keep around. Also, remember, everyone gets sad sometimes. It’s when these symptoms stick around and refuse to go away that you need to start worrying over them. Sadness or feelings of despair Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies Weight loss or loss of appetite Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness Lack of motivation and energy Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness) Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness or self-loathing) Slowed movement or speech Increased use of alcohol or other drugs Fixation on death; thoughts of suicide Memory problems Neglecting personal care (skipping meals, forgetting meds, neglecting personal hygiene) Tip #2: Keep Your Lines of Communication Open Depression is like a weight hanging around your shoulders, and even if you want to reach out to others for help it can feel like a monumental task to do so. That’s why you need to take the initiative, and check-in with your loved one. Not just a casual, “Hey, how are you doing?” either. You need to establish open communication, and to build trust between the two of you. Most importantly, you need to reach for your loved one, and make sure they have support from you. Because on days where things are really bad, they may not be able to reach for you. Tip #3: Let Them Do Things On Their Own It’s an unfortunate truth that the older we get, the more things we can no longer do on our own. Even things we once took for granted, like quickly going up a flight of stairs or driving might be out of reach. However, as anyone who has needed a little assistance to get through the day can tell you, it’s important to still do things for yourself. So, if your loved one is depressed, don’t just complete tasks for them. Instead, support them, and let them do things for themselves. It will give them a sense of accomplishment, instead of feeling like a burden. Tip #4: Create A Sense of Purpose Seniors who don’t have anything to do with themselves can often feel listless and disconnected. This is why so many seniors seek out volunteer work, hobbies, or other activities to keep themselves busy. This sense of purpose can help manage depression, help build community ties, and keep the senior engaged in meaningful ways. There is only so much you can do on your own when it comes to managing an elderly loved one’s depression. While you might be able to handle some days, it’s important to talk with the senior in your life about seeing a professional. Therapists can dedicate time, effort, energy and resources to helping your loved one in ways you might not be able to and they’ll have greater insight into the problems being faced. Not only that, but professionals may be able to find solutions that you and your loved one can both work toward, acting as a trailblazer to help guide you through the tangled jungle that depression can become. In addition, you might want to explore how home care could help ease the load on you and the depression for your loved one. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. can offer a whole range of assistance with activities of daily living. To find out more, simply give us a call.
Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is excited to announce the winner of our ‘Celebrating 30 Years’ grant for July 2018 – Ms. Carole Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell was nominated by her daughter, Ms. Sherri Connell. Ms. Mitchell, 82, was born in Illinois and has lived in Colorado since the early 70’s. She raised 3 children as a single mom with a successful career as a high-end clothing representative, property manager and radio air time sales representative. She has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In the early 2000’s, Ms. Mitchell saw a serious need for a way for single seniors to connect with other single seniors and form friendships; and founded The Breakfast Club. What started out as a small club has grown into an organization with over 700 members and several chapters! Ms. Mitchell is getting ready to move to a new community in mid-August. When asked what she plans to do with the $300 grant, she said the much-needed money will be going toward many moving expenses. Congratulations, Ms. Mitchell!
Unfortunately, scams that target the elderly are all too common. Many scammers are looking to take advantage of elderly individuals: people who are vulnerable or more susceptible to their wiles. By understanding the potential scams out there, you can help protect the elderly people in your life from being victims. The Grandparent Scam In the grandparent scam, a scammer will call and pretend to be a relative. They’ll claim that they’re in trouble in some way, often financially, and that they need immediate assistance. Many scammers will pretend to be a beloved grandchild, begging the grandparent, “Don’t tell Mom and Dad! They’ll be so disappointed in me if they know.” Sometimes, they’ll claim to be in jail and need money for bail; other times, it may be a case of needing money wired to them immediately while they’re traveling. Protecting Your Loved One: Encourage your loved one to always verify information from callers claiming to be relatives. Tell them to insist that they’ll call them back, then check out the story with other relatives. Remind them that none of their grandchildren will ask them to keep a secret if they’re in trouble. The Medicare Card ID Theft Scam Medicare offers a huge advantage for many seniors: free or low-cost medical care. Scammers are well aware of the value of Medicare, and they’ll try to get their hands on seniors’ information. They may claim to be from Medicare or to be from a doctor’s office that needs that information in order to process payment. Protecting Your Loved One: Personal information, including social security numbers, banking information, or Medicare ID information, should never be given over the phone. If you do receive a call from someone claiming to be from an official agency, keep in mind that they’re unlikely to request information from your loved one. Remind them to keep information private and verify who they’re speaking to before handing over any information. The Lottery Scam “Congratulations! You’ve just won…” The lottery. A chance to go on a free cruise. An incredible prize package worth tens of thousands of dollars. There’s just one little catch: before you can claim your prize, you’ll need to make a small deposit, purchase a gift card, or take another key step. Of course, the reality is that there is no prize. Once the deposit is made, the “prize” will disappear, and your loved one may not be able to get their money back. Protecting Your Loved One: Remind your loved one that if they’ve won a legitimate prize, they won’t be asked to provide banking information over the phone–and they certainly won’t be required to pay for the prize. They should also keep in mind that they can’t possibly win something that they haven’t entered. Utility Fraud Many scammers pretend to be from the utility company: water, power, gas, or electricity. They’ll call up warning seniors that their utility is about to be cut off for nonpayment, sending them into a panic. In most cases, seniors will quickly offer payment to avoid this style of retribution. Protecting Your Loved One: Remember, utility companies don’t call to get payment–especially not as a first line of approach. Instead, they’ll typically send letters letting your loved one know that payments are behind. Have them check online or call the utility company directly to verify any problems with payment, rather than simply issuing an immediate payment over the phone. Counterfeit Medications As your loved one ages, the cost of medications increases–and many seniors, as a result, turn to online pharmacies, many of which are based outside of America. There are a lot of counterfeit products out there, including anti-aging products that claim to be able to slow the symptoms of aging. Protecting Your Loved One: Keep an eye on the medications that your loved one is taking. Make sure that they aren’t falling victim to any anti-aging scams or other key problems. Often, protection is as simple as ensuring that their medications are coming from a reputable source. Reverse Mortgage Scams A reverse mortgage will allow your loved one to take out some of the equity they’ve build in their home, allowing them to access funds that they need for medical care, home repairs, and other key things in their lives. Unfortunately, many scammers will simply convince your loved one to transfer home ownership to them without providing them with the funds they need. Protecting Your Loved One: Reverse mortgages can be a very valuable and useful tool for seniors. However, like so many other things, shouldn’t be arranged over the phone. If this is something your loved one wants or needs, encourage them to ask friends, family or trusted advisors for referrals and arrange to visit a physical location instead. Internet Fraud You’re probably familiar with this one. A scammer calls up, insisting that a computer in the home is simply filled with viruses. The scammer will offer free security, a diagnosis, and a repair over the phone. All they need is remote access to the computer–which will then be infected with a slew of viruses. Protecting Your Loved One: Remember, if you haven’t called for tech support, they aren’t going to call you–and Windows isn’t monitoring your machine. Let your loved one know where to receive real tech support and how to deal with it when there is something wrong with their computer. Contractor Scams Over time, repairs do need to be made to your loved one’s home. So-called contractors often take advantage of the elderly, offering services and taking payment, then never showing up to do the work. Not only is your loved one left without the repairs done, they’ve been cheated out of the repairs that actually needed to be performed! Protecting Your Loved One: Always research contractors before hiring them to do work. Make sure that your loved one is protected by a contract. If your loved one is struggling with dementia or no longer seems able to handle what’s going on around them, our Elderlink Home Care,
After a stroke, many people ask the question “What do I do now?” No one expects to have a stroke, and it can be devastating when it happens. Everyone has a different length of recovery, and everyone typically worries about the same things. Whether you or your loved one has suffered a stroke, there are several important things to know about the recovery process. Use Your Primary Doctor Immediately upon leaving the hospital after a stroke, arrangements should be made for the patient to see their primary doctor. The physician will give you invaluable information on how to stay healthy, and ensure proper rehabilitation. He or she will inform you about treatment options, as well as any other specialists that you may need to see. Your primary doctor is one of your best resources in this difficult situation. Reduce the Risk of Additional Strokes The main concern of the stroke survivor and their families is the risk of having repeat strokes. Talk to your diet about diet, exercise, medications, and a course of treatment. Make sure he or she outlines exactly what you need to do, and certainly don’t hesitate to ask questions! If there is anything that you are unclear about, ask for clarification. Ask your doctor for recommendations about what your daily routine should be in terms of reducing the risk of repeat strokes. What Does Recovery Depend Upon? Since no two situations are alike, this varies from person to person. Some people may recover in a few months, while it takes others several years. That being said, the factors that your recovery depends upon are: the percentage of the brain that was affected by the stroke, the course of treatment and rehabilitation that the patient receives, and, most importantly, the motivation of the patient to take the necessary steps toward recovery. Family members need to check in regularly with patients and make sure they are eating healthy, getting proper exercise, and enough sleep. Make sure that the patient is following all of the doctor’s orders exactly in order to make the road to recovery as efficient as possible. The Importance of Repetition Many people, both patients and family members, may not realize just how important repetition is when recovering from a stroke! Neuroplasticity is rebuilt, and the brain is rewired to make new connections. It is vital that the patient not grow frustrated with the process. At times, even simple tasks need to be relearned after suffering from a stroke. The patient will benefit from exercises such as repeatedly lifting a small weight. Ask your doctor which exercises you should be doing on a regular basis that will have the most benefit. Know How Much is Enough While exercise is important after experiencing a stroke, the patient still needs to pace themselves. Light exercises, such as a walk around the block, are highly effective for stroke survivors. The patient should never push themselves to do more than they are comfortable with. If you feel that you need a day to rest, certainly take it. There is no benefit in overdoing it, so have realistic expectations of what you should or should not do. Recovery is Possible Positive thinking is of utmost importance after a stroke. Patients and family members should never make comparisons between two or more people. Remember, every stroke is different, and each patient will have different needs. Never give up or get discouraged. Family Support is Vital for Stroke Survivors Survivors need to know that they have family members that they can depend upon. Having a sense of security for personal needs is important in a person’s recovery. The best thing you can do for a loved one who has suffered a stroke is to be there for them as much as possible. At Elderlink Home Care, Inc. we understand the stress that stroke recovery can put on the survivor and his or her family. We can help ease the stress on both the family and the stroke survivor by placing caregivers into the home to provide assistance with the activities of daily living. We can lighten the load for everyone involved. If we can help, contact us today, or call us at (303) 734-0641.
High cholesterol can be a serious health problem for many seniors. It significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that can be taken to lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good ones and help seniors remain healthy! Make Simple Dietary Changes Let’s face it: Major diet changes are never easy. However, by encouraging your loved one or client to make a few simple changes, their cholesterol levels can be lowered–and often, they won’t notice what they’re missing. Try some of these strategies: Eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna Try whole grain products instead of their processed alternatives Avoid trans fats Eat fewer processed foods Minimize refined carbohydrates Add in foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables Incorporate Simple Activities When your client or loved one isn’t moving, it’s easier for bad cholesterol to build up, hardening their veins and making it difficult for them to get healthier. Regular activity, on the other hand, can decrease bad cholesterol! Try some of these simple activities: Take up dancing! Classes together can be a great bonding experience. Get out and take a walk several times a week. Go for a swim. During the summer months, swimming outside is a fun, free exercise. Even during the winter, many gyms offer indoor water aerobics programs. Start gardening. Growing pretty flowers or fruits and vegetables is both healthy and invigorating! Find a class at your local gym or senior center. There are plenty to choose from and they’re sure to find something appealing! Decrease Portion Size There are a number of foods that are very healthy and full of cholesterol-fighting properties. Unfortunately, many of them are also high in calories. Whether you’re changing your senior’s diet to incorporate more good fats or they’re indulging in a favorite treat, practicing portion control is the best way to ensure that the treatment will be healthy, rather than causing more health problems down the road. Encourage Socialization Regular social contact with others has a higher impact on the body’s overall health–including cholesterol levels–than giving up smoking. If your loved one is struggling with high cholesterol levels, consider looking for more ways to get them out and about, socializing with loved ones. This could include: More family time! Take vacations together, plan family events, or just get together and hang out. Getting involved with a local church or charity. Spending more time at the local senior center, engaging in activities they offer. Increased socialization won’t just help with cholesterol levels. It will also help your senior loved one live longer and enjoy a fuller, happier life–so make sure that socialization is an on-going priority. Laugh Often Laughter is known to give you a healthier heart. It raises the levels of good cholesterol in your blood, decreases stress, and even offers an immune system boost! Watch funny movies or read funny books with your client or loved one. When you’re not around, encourage them to engage in these pastimes on their own as well. Drop the Bad Habits As your loved one approaches their senior years, it’s time to think about what those bad habits are really worth–most notably, smoking and drinking. Both regular alcohol consumption and a smoking habit can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, leaving your loved one struggling to get their health under control. Simply giving up those habits, on the other hand, can keep them around longer. Follow Doctors’ Recommendations If your loved one has been prescribed a medication for high cholesterol, it’s important that they take it exactly as prescribed! Their doctor is monitoring their cholesterol levels and will adjust the medication as needed. Many people believe that as their cholesterol drops, they no longer need the medication. Unfortunately, this can simply complicate the issue and lead to a greater need for medication later on. Dealing with high cholesterol in a loved one isn’t easy, especially with all the fears it brings up. If you need more help caring for your senior loved one, contact us today to learn how we can help.
Dining out is fun no matter your age. For seniors, it’s a special treat to get out of the house and to enjoy a meal in public where they may see people they know. If you are planning to take your senior parents to dinner, or you are an in-home caregiver taking a patient to dinner, then selecting the right restaurant is important. There are senior-friendly restaurants in the Denver area that offer discounts and deals. Here’s a list of the top 3. The Best Senior-Friendly Restaurants Around Denver 1. Applebee’s Applebee’s offers a senior discount of 15% off total bill for those age 60 and older. Menu items range from delicious steaks to chicken and seafood. Start by sharing an appetizer and if visiting at lunchtime, try one of their lunch combos. Other menu options include pasta and salads. Save room for dessert because it’s hard to say no to Applebee’s butter pecan blondie! 2. Denny’s AARP members are eligible to receive a 15% discount off their total bill every day. A special menu is available for those aged 55 and older. Traditional meals such as country-fried steak and grilled chicken are on the menu. Breakfast items include French toast and omelets. For lunch, seniors can try a grilled cheese and soup. There are several Denny’s locations throughout the Denver area. Thanks to their partnership with AARP, Denny’s remains a popular restaurant for seniors. 3. IHOP IHOP offers an exclusive menu for guests age 55 and older. The menu offers smaller portions of classic dishes including create-your-own omelets and a roasted turkey dinner, all at a lower price. For a healthier option, seniors may enjoy the grilled tilapia. Side dish options range from mashed potatoes and gravy to steamed broccoli. Don’t forget about their selection of pancakes! After all, it is the International House of Pancakes! The Importance of Seniors Dining Out The social interaction of dining out is important in a senior’s life. As many seniors no longer drive, having someone take them out is crucial to limiting senior isolation. Many seniors also live alone and have to cook for themselves, resulting in poor nutrition. Dining out is one way to ensure they are getting a hot and nutritious meal. Finding Time Major holidays are often times of family gatherings at restaurants. Seniors, however, need to get out more than the occasional Mother’s Day or Easter brunch. For their busy adult children, finding the time to take their loved one out to eat is difficult. Work and family commitments are overwhelming yet it is easy to develop guilty feelings about caring for their parents. It is better to ask for help than to try to balance everything yourself. There will be less stress and times together will be more enjoyable if you have help in caring for your senior parents. Elderlink Home Care Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has a professional, caring staff dedicated to providing you with a positive home care experience. Taking their clients out for an enjoyable meal is something our caregivers can assist with. Not only can they take their clients out for a meal if they desire, but they can also help with menu planning and preparation at home. Home care can help prevent your loved one from feeling lonely and isolated. From going to the movies and other recreational activities, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is being properly cared for so you can concentrate on other responsibilities. For more information about in-home care by Elderlink and for a full list of services, contact us today. Elderlink has proudly served the Denver area since 1988. For 30 years, they have provided in-home care for Denver area residents and have received many positive testimonials from current and past clients. Let us help you in ensuring your loved one is properly cared for and getting all of their needs met.
Seniors will eventually reach a point in their lives when they are no longer able to perform their daily tasks on their own. As they age, they will begin to need assistance with things like meal preparation, mobility, and personal care so it is important to find the best senior care services available near you. The elderly population is growing and experts say aging in place is most often their wish. In fact, 80 percent of older adults live independently in their own homes. As they age, seniors’ physical and cognitive condition will likely change, making it challenging to perform their daily living activities completely on their own, without any assistance. Steps to Finding the Right Senior Care Services 1. Research your options There are many options available to those looking to secure home care for their senior loved ones. • Home health agencies These are organizations that provide skilled and/or medical in the home. Most seniors who need assistance with basic daily living activities do not necessarily require the services of a home healthcare agency. The services of a home care agency is typically what is needed to allow them to remain in the comfort of their own home. They are also more affordable than home health care agencies. • Hospices Hospice is a healthcare option for individuals who need end of life care. Patients who receive care through hospice usually are suffering from a terminal illness and have been given a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than life-saving medical treatments. • Home Care Agency A home care agency provides sends caregivers into the home to assist with activities of daily living, such as; personal care, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, companionship, medication reminders, etc. 2. Choose between home care and an assisted living facility More and more, seniors are choosing to live independently at home – “age in place.” In fact, the AARP reports that approximately 90 percent of seniors intend to stay home as they age. Seniors who are able to do many things on their own but find some tasks to be problematic, are good candidates for in-home care service. However, those who have severe medical needs, or are at risk of harm or injury, might best be served in a skilled nursing facility. 3. Assess your budget Medicaid and traditional health insurance typically does not cover the cost for home care services. They will cover the cost for hospice care and sometimes in-home medical care if the individual qualifies. It is important to determine what – if any – costs there will be associated with the care you decide to get for your loved one. Long term care insurance will cover and/or reimburse the insured for non-medical in-home care. 4. Call the agency’s offices Once you narrow your choices down, call the agency and ask them about their services. Make sure you get a warm feeling that they are experts in their field. This will help you get a good idea of their experience, quality and standards. 5. Understand how the agency selects their care givers It is crucial to ensure your loved one is being cared for by excellent care-givers 6. Understand which specific services are offered by the agency This will help you to ensure that your senior’s needs are all met adequately. 7. Check the availability of the agency’s caregiver(s) Are they going to be consistently available to provide coverage for the days and times your loved one needs it? What about future availability in the event that your loved one’s needs change? Is there an up-front cost or deposit? A long-term commitment? What if there is a personality mis-match? These are all good questions to ask up front so there are no surprises down the road. The staff at Elderlink Home Care, Inc. is always working as a team to provide our clients with the best possible in-home care experience. Call us today to see how we can help you and your loved one.
