Craig Bass – Golden Heart Clermont

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Agency

Posted on May 2, 2023August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision and find a home care agency that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you start searching for a home care agency, it’s important to determine your loved one’s specific needs. Are they recovering from an injury or surgery? Do they have a chronic illness? Are they dealing with cognitive decline? Understanding your loved one’s situation and the level of care they require will help you narrow down your search and find an agency that offers the appropriate services.

Research Home Care Agencies

Once you know what type of care your loved one requires, you can start researching home care agencies. Look for agencies that specialize in the type of care your loved one needs, such as dementia care or post-surgery care. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.

Check the Agency’s Reputation

When choosing a home care agency, it’s essential to check their reputation. Look for reviews online, and ask the agency for references from previous clients. You can also check the agency’s accreditation and licensing status to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

Consider the Caregiver’s Qualifications

The caregiver who will be providing care for your loved one is a crucial factor to consider. Ask the agency about their caregiver screening process and training. Look for agencies that employ caregivers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also consider the caregiver’s experience and expertise in providing care for your loved one’s specific needs.

Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Support

Effective communication and support are essential for a successful home care experience. Look for an agency that provides clear and consistent communication with you and your loved one. They should also have a support system in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.

In conclusion, selecting a home care agency is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding your loved one’s needs, researching agencies, checking their reputation, considering caregiver qualifications, and evaluating their communication and support, you can find an agency that provides the high-quality care your loved one deserves.

When should seniors stop driving?

Posted on May 2, 2023August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

As people age, their driving abilities may decline due to a number of factors such as slower reflexes, vision problems, cognitive impairment, and medical conditions. This can raise concerns about their safety on the road and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. However, giving up driving can also mean a loss of independence and mobility, which can be a difficult transition for seniors. So, when should seniors stop driving?

The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability, not just their age. Some seniors may be able to drive safely well into their 80s or 90s, while others may need to stop driving earlier due to medical conditions or cognitive impairment. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and assessing whether it’s time for them to stop driving.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a senior to stop driving:

Difficulty with basic driving tasks: This may include trouble with braking or accelerating, staying in the correct lane, and maintaining a safe speed.
Getting lost or disoriented while driving: Seniors who get lost or confused while driving may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory problems.
Increased accidents or near-misses: If a senior has been involved in multiple accidents or near-misses, it may be a sign that their driving skills have declined.
Difficulty seeing or hearing: Vision and hearing problems can make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially in low-light conditions or when navigating busy streets.
Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, or other side effects that can impair driving abilities.

If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have a conversation about their driving abilities and consider alternative transportation options. Family members and caregivers can work together to find alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driving programs.

It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, as giving up driving can be a difficult transition for seniors. Encourage seniors to express their concerns and feelings, and work together to find solutions that meet their transportation needs while ensuring their safety on the road.

In conclusion, there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability and any medical or cognitive issues that may impair their ability to drive safely. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and finding alternative transportation options when it’s time for them to stop driving.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleeping Issues

Posted on April 28, 2023August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. They experience all sorts of issues including sleeping issues. Many people who have this disease have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are many reasons for this that you and their caregivers should be aware of.

Trouble Sleeping

Your elderly loved one might have trouble sleeping. If you have noticed they have had changes in the way that they fall asleep or stay asleep, it is time to find out what the issue might be. The first thing to note is that this disease, alone, can cause people to have trouble sleeping. There is something in their brain that causes sleep disruptions. It could be they are feeling restless or anxious before going to bed. Whatever the issue might be, these troubles sleeping should be addressed.

You should pay attention to how your loved one is behaving. Pay attention to how they are acting before bedtime. If they seem anxious about something, find a solution for their anxiety. You should also be sure that your loved one gets ready for bed 15 – 30 minutes before their bedtime. This way they can get laid down and situated before it is time to fall asleep.

Sundowning Syndrome

Sundowning is when your elderly loved one displays negative behaviors around sundown and through the night. Sometimes there are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help manage the sundowning symptoms.

You should also make sure your loved one’s sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible. Increasing the activities they do during the day can help to tire them out for nighttime, as well. Lastly, you and your loved one’s caregivers should make sure they don’t have electronics during the evening or nighttime.

Hallucinations

Your loved one might also experience hallucinations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may see things in their bedroom that make them scared to fall asleep. It might seem as if the shadows are strangers in their house. This can be very frightening for your elderly loved one.

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, the first thing to do is make sure they talk to their doctor about it. In addition, you should make sure the corners of their rooms are lit. This will prevent them from seeing things in the dark. You should also make sure there aren’t any noises that could be deemed as scary throughout the home at nighttime.

These are some of the sleeping issues that your elderly loved one might have with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure you and their caregivers do your best to understand what they are going through and help them in any way that you can.

Sources
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-deprivation-increases-alzheimers-protein
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/6-tips-managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide.

Companion Care at Home Can Help Your Mom Run Errands

Posted on October 27, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Companion Care at Home in Leesburg FL

When your mom learns she’s no longer a safe driver, she’s going to be frustrated. She might even feel sad that she’s losing her freedom to come and go as she wants. Companion care at home can step in to help your senior parent with transportation and much more.

Transportation Services From a Home Care Agency

When your mom has a caregiver available for transportation, she has someone else to drive her around. Plus, she’s not alone while running errands or attending meetings or appointments.

Each week, your mom likes to purchase groceries and pick up household supplies while she’s out. It usually means a trip to a grocery store and a discount retailer. Once a month, she also has prescription refills to pick up at the pharmacy. If she needs clothes or shoes, there are additional stops to make.

With a companion care aide, your mom has someone else available to drive her where she needs to go. Her caregiver can carry bags for her and move them from the cart to the trunk. At home, her caregiver will bring everything inside and put items where they go.

Your mom has a series of medical appointments coming up. It’s the time of year when your mom’s mammogram, yearly check-up, and bone density screening are due. While it would be convenient to get these appointments scheduled in one office at the same time, that’s not possible.

She has three appointments, plus it’s been ten years since her last colonoscopy, so she also has to schedule that. She needs someone available to drive her to each appointment and bring her back home. Her caregiver can take her, wait until she’s done, and bring her home.

Other Benefits Available With Companion Care

What other services are available with companion care at home? Here are just a few of the many services that companion care at home offers:

Meal Preparation

Does your mom still cook meals or is it challenging for her? Caregivers can cook meals for her. If she wants to help, she can. But, she may be tired of cooking after decades of cooking meals for her family. That’s fine, she can also sit back and let someone else prepare meals.

Light Housework

Caregivers can clean her home. Your mom is happy dusting and washing windows, but she has a very hard time carrying the vacuum upstairs to bedrooms. Have caregivers vacuum for her. They can also do the laundry, change the sheets, and make beds.

Support During Exercise

Has your mom’s doctor told her to stay active? If she walks around her neighborhood or up and down the street, she may not be confident when she’s alone. All it takes is a neighborhood dog to run up and knock her over. Companion care providers walk with her.

It’s time to make sure your mom doesn’t drive again. Companion care at home pairs her with caregivers who will help her run errands throughout the week. Call a companion care at home specialist to learn more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Leesburg, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

Helping Seniors Deal with Self-Neglect

Posted on October 11, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Home Care in Center Hill FL

There are many campaigns to educate the public about signs of elder abuse and neglect from other people. However, the often unrecognized reality is that seniors frequently neglect themselves. You will hear this being referred to as self-neglect and it can become extreme, and you may not know how to help your senior parent. First, if you live far away and you are only able to visit occasionally, it is essential that your elderly loved one has support from home care providers. Home care agencies provide multiple types of professionals who can help a senior age in place. Many seniors are choosing to age at home where they are the most comfortable. In theory, this sounds good, but self-neglect does happen and it is something that you and home care providers can look for.

Less obvious are the indicators of self-neglect, which some family caregivers may not even be able to recognize. When this occurs, individuals may feel helpless to effectively address the issue with their loved ones. The following are some of the most prevalent and obvious indications of self-neglect among the elderly. There are also suggestions for dealing with the situation.

Understanding the Signs of Self-Neglect

If you see your parents often enough the signs will be clear. They may have stopped taking care of their home and leaving it messy, they may refuse to take medications that they need, or they may not be eating like they used to.

It is crucial to remember that seniors who behave in this manner are not always in perfect control of their behavior, particularly if they are suffering cognitive decline and challenges. In fact, self-neglect is how some family members discover that anything may be amiss with the cognitive health of their loved ones.

How to Address Self-Neglect

It is difficult to inform elderly loved ones that they are not properly caring for themselves. Many elders have spent their whole lives caring for themselves. They may feel violated or assaulted if you imply that they are not doing so presently. So, what can you do?

Be Their Friend

Maybe you are their son or daughter but sometimes when you have an elderly loved one you also need to be their friend. Rather than expressing astonishment, disgust, annoyance, or wrath, it is crucial to be attentive to all conceivable reactions and to inquire about their well-being on a broader scale. It is beneficial to attempt to provide companionship that may lead to observing daily patterns and being able to “remind” the individual of crucial self-care tasks. Sometimes folks just need to know that someone is monitoring their well-being.

Communicate With Them

Even if you can’t visit physically, you should still try to talk to your mom or dad most days. Hop on a video chat with them and encourage them to be healthy even when you’re away. This is a time when you can glimpse at how they’re living too. You should never shame them or judge them for what they’re doing but instead, be kind and supportive.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Center Hill, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

4 Things You Can Do To Protect A Senior From Online Scams

Posted on September 29, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Elder Care in Webster FL

Seniors are often the targets of online scammers. Every year seniors lose more than $500 million in scams. If your senior loved one is aging at home and spends time online socializing or surfing the Web you should be worried about scammers targeting them. Use these tips to help protect your senior parent from being the victim of an online scam:

Enlist the Help of Elder Care

Elder care for seniors helps seniors stay safe at home, including keeping them safe from scams. And elder care provider can be there with your senior parent to keep track of what they’re doing online, ask questions about any people that they are talking to, and caution them not to send money online for things that seem fishy. Elder care helps protects seniors from all kinds of dangerous things including scams.

Check Your Senior Parent’s Social Media Accounts

It’s a good idea to have the password for your senior parent’s social media accounts. That way you can monitor who they are talking to and make sure that they are not being scammed. Romance scams where scammers pose as seniors who are lonely and looking for love are very common on social media. Scammers will ask the seniors that talk to them to send money, usually directly through the social media site or through a payment app, so that it can’t be tracked. Your senior parent could think they are loaning money to a potential romantic partner or a friend and end up losing thousands of dollars.

Get Added To Their Financial Accounts

Another way that you can help protect your parent is to get added to their credit cards and bank accounts as a co-signor. That way you can talk to the bank about the account, approve or deny large payments, and make other decisions about the money in the accounts. If your senior loved one is scammed it’s important that you’re on the account so that you can talk to the bank fraud investigations team. If you’re not on the account they won’t be able to talk with you unless you have a financial POA for your senior parent.

Talk To Your Senior Parent About Common Online Scams

You should also talk to your senior parent bout the most common types of online scams. Write them down and tape them next to your senior loved one’s computer so that they have a constant reminder of things that are scams. Some of the scams that you should discuss with your senior parent include:

Romance/dating scams
Travel and prize scams
“Your grandchild needs help” scams
“You owe money to the government” scams

You can get a more comprehensive list of the current scams targeting the elderly from the National Council on Aging. They keep track of the most current scams that people are using to con seniors out of their money. Don’t let your senior parent lose their retirement savings because of an online scam.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/money/management/avoiding-scams
https://aginginplace.org/internet-scams-affecting-elderly/
https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Webster, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

How Does Home Care Benefit Your Senior Parent?

Posted on September 9, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Home Care in Clermont FL

It’s always been your dad’s goal to live in the family home for the rest of his life, but you’re wondering just how possible that really is. He fell getting out of the shower, and while he’s okay, you’re worried about him being alone. Have you considered home care services?

He’s Never Alone for Long

What happens with your dad when you live on the other side of the country? Does he have friends and neighbors checking in or is he alone? Do you worry about him falling in the middle of the night and laying for days before someone realizes he hasn’t been active?

Home care services eliminate this worry. He has a caregiver available to check in each day. Pair caregiver visits with an emergency alert system for optimal security and support.

If he likes to take walks, he doesn’t have to go alone. His caregiver can walk with him.

Personal Care Isn’t a Struggle

Your dad has a hard time with showers. Ever since he fell, his confidence diminished. With home care services, his caregivers can help him in and out of the shower, assist with dressing, and trim his nails. He has caregivers to help him pick out the right outfits and dress in the appropriate attire if he’s heading outside for a walk.

He Has Home-Cooked Meals

A CDC report found that around two out of five people eat fast food on any given day. Adults 60 or older account for almost a quarter of these people. If your dad is likely to eat fast food for a quick meal, it’s time to address healthier options.

With home care services, your dad has healthy meals. He has vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains. All of that is essential for balanced nutrition.

When your dad needs groceries, his caregiver can take him. Your dad’s caregiver can take him shopping or help him order groceries online. His caregiver can help him carry groceries in from the car and put things away.

Someone Is There to Help With Housekeeping Chores

Your dad has a hard time with his vacuum. It’s heavy and he often trips on the cord. He doesn’t vacuum and prefers to wait until you visit. The problem is that you only stop by once a month, so the carpet gets covered in fur, crumbs, and dust in the meantime.

With housekeeping services from a home care agency, your dad’s housekeeping is done. He has a caregiver available to do his laundry, clean his floors, wash his dishes, and change sheets and towels.

He Has Rides When Needed

Your dad’s caregiver can take him wherever he needs to go. If he shouldn’t drive, his caregiver can ensure he doesn’t feel isolated. He’ll have a ride to area businesses, medical offices, or his friends’ homes. Call today and ask about available services. You can have a caregiver with your dad during his morning routines and no longer have to worry. A home care agency can help you get started.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db322.htm

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clermont, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

Explore the Benefits of 24-Hour Home Care When Vision Diminishes

Posted on August 26, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

24-Hour Home Care in Mascotte FL

While eye exams are recommended each year, not every older American goes for one. Around a quarter of older adults believe that if they can see clearly there’s no need to see an eye doctor for a routine exam.

Due to finances, seven out of ten older adults skip an annual eye exam. Ten percent have never been to an eye health professional, yet half of the older adults in this study said they fear vision loss.

Your dad was one of the older adults who felt his vision was fine and skipped yearly exams. Like others, he realized the importance when it was too late to protect his vision. He has glaucoma, but because he wasn’t diagnosed early, he’s now legally blind and cannot be left alone.

You work full-time, and it’s getting harder to manage your workload when your dad asks for help all day and night. Have you considered 24-hour home care and its benefits?

Caregivers Work in Shifts

With 24-hour home care, caregivers work in shifts to cover the entire 24 hours. Your dad may have three caregivers working eight-hour shifts or four caregivers working six-hour shifts. He’s never alone.

While a caregiver is with him, he has someone to cook meals and prepare snacks. If there’s housework to be done, the caregiver can help him. With around-the-clock care aides, your dad has a driver for his appointments with eye doctors, clinics, and dentists. If he has errands to run his caregiver can help him.

Caregivers also help with laundry. They can make your dad’s bed, change his sheets and towels, and put things away when the laundry is dry. If your dad needs help reminding him to take medications or to put in eye drops, his caregiver is there.

In the middle of the night, your dad often wakes up and needs the bathroom. He can’t find his way as easily as he used to, but his overnight caregiver can help him get to the toilet and walk him back to bed when he’s ready.

He’s Never Alone

Your dad’s nervous about being alone in his home when he can’t see. With a caregiver there all day and all night, he’s never by himself. He’s supported when he needs it, which ensures he’s able to maintain his independence.

Hire caregivers for your dad. It’s easy to make the arrangements for 24-hour home care. Gather a list of questions you, your dad, and your immediate family have. Call an agency and ask to talk to a specialist in home care. You’ll go over the questions, learn more about how the services work, and find out about the pricing. Call now.

Sources:
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/MBGH/4f7f512a-e946-4060-9575-b27c65545cb8/UploadedImages/Eye_Health_TK/2018_American_Eye-Q_Results_1_23_19.pdf

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Mascotte, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

Keeping Seniors With Limited Mobility Safe In An Emergency

Posted on August 10, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Senior Home Care in Ferndale FL

If your senior loved one uses a walker, a cane or a wheelchair, getting them to safety in an emergency like a fire, flood, or power failure could take some planning. Senior home care is something that can really help your parent in an emergency, so if you have been thinking about this service, now is the time to do that. That way if an emergency weather event occurs your senior parent won’t be alone when disaster strikes.

Seniors who have limited mobility have even greater challenges than other seniors when it comes to evacuating a home quickly. These tips from disaster experts and senior home care providers should help you prepare your senior loved one to evacuate their home:

Don’t Wait To Evacuate

If there is a storm coming or some other disaster on the way and emergency officials have recommended that people evacuate then your senior parent should leave their home as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute is not safe. It’s better for your senior parent and their senior home care provider to get out and get to safety before there is an imminent threat like rising flood waters.

Stash Additional Mobility Aids At A Family Or Friend’s House

If your senior loved one does need to evacuate quickly they may lose their walker or cane in the process of leaving. Or, if they are in a wheelchair they may need to leave the chair behind if there are flood waters rising or a fire. It’s a good idea to get a second walker or cane or keep a simple emergency wheelchair at a neighbor or friend’s house and at your house. That way if your senior loved one can’t get to your house they can get a backup mobility aid at a neighbor’s house. Or, if they need to get out of the neighborhood they can get a backup at your home.

Keep A Bag Packed And Ready To Go With Essentials

All seniors should have a bag packed with supplies in case they need to leave their homes in a hurry. The bag should contain things like extra clothes, incontinence supplies, extra medications, and any important papers that they might need. It’s also smart to have an extra cell phone charger cord and a battery operated phone charger.

Keep An Evacuation Mat With The Emergency Supplies

Evacuation mats can be used by senior home care to help your senior loved one get out of the home in a hurry if necessary. If your senior loved one relies on a wheelchair or has mobility limitations safety experts recommend that you keep an evacuation mat with the emergency supplies in your senior loved one’s home. That way if there is a dangerous situation and your senior loved one needs to be moved out of the house quickly you or emergency personnel or a home care provider can make sure that your senior parent is able to get out of the house safely.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Ferndale, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

What Does Personal Care at Home Include?

Posted on July 25, 2022August 10, 2023 by Craig Bass

Personal Care at Home in Groveland FL

Regular routines that support your senior’s daily well-being and health are a huge part of her everyday life. Over time, however, your aging family member may not be able to keep up with those routines on her own. That’s when personal care at home may be one of the best solutions for your senior. Personal care involves tasks that are related to the most personal needs your senior may have.

Personal Care Is a Specific Type of Care

When you first hear about it, personal care sounds exactly like what it is. This is assistance with tasks related to hygiene, toileting, grooming, and anything else related to your senior’s appearance and body. When your senior starts to have difficulty with these tasks, her entire life and even her health can be affected.

Other Types of Assistance Personal Care Offers

There are so many different ways that caregivers can help your elderly family member with personal care tasks. Some of the specific help that personal care at home offers your senior include:

Bathing
Applying topical creams
Tooth brushing and denture care
Foot care
Toileting assistance
Incontinence assistance
Transitioning assistance

Your elderly family member may need other types of help, as well. Anything that falls within the realm of personal care is what these types of caregivers can help your senior to manage.

Your Senior May Not Want You to Help

One of the best reasons to choose this type of assistance is that your senior may be adamant about not accepting your help with these tasks. Even when it becomes obvious that she needs assistance, it can be incredibly difficult for her to accept the help of people she loves. These are embarrassing tasks to need help managing, and it can be overwhelming for your senior.

Professional Caregivers Understand it’s Difficult to Accept This Type of Help

Elder care providers know what it’s like to need to accept help with personal care tasks. They’re able to offer your senior dignity and respect during the process, helping her to have the assistance that she needs. Caregivers learn your senior’s preferences and help to make sure that she’s cared for in the way that comforts her most.

Personal Care at Home Helps Your Senior to Maintain Quality of Life

Ultimately, personal care at home offers your senior a way to maintain her quality of life for as long as possible. When she’s not having to burn energy and time performing tasks that are difficult or impossible for her to manage on her own, your elderly family member is able to spend that time and energy enjoying her life. This can allow her to engage in hobbies that she loves and keep her brain as active as possible.

Bringing in personal care at home as soon as your elderly family member starts having difficulty can make the entire situation easier for her. Understanding what these care providers can offer her may take a little bit of time as your senior adjusts.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Clermont, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.

Author: Craig Bass