Home Health Care in Fairfax VA: Sibling Conflict With Senior Care

Even if you have taken on the role of being their primary caregiver, you may experience tension, disagreements, and other issues that make it more difficult for your parent to get the fullest benefit from their care. By understanding what may cause this conflict, you are better able to resolve it so you can put as much focus and energy as possible on the quality of care your parent receives.

Some things that may cause conflict with your siblings over your parent’s care include:

• Different perspectives on your parent’s needs. You may find your siblings do not see your senior’s needs in the same way. Some may think their needs are much more extensive, while others may think they are mild and your parent should do more on their own. This can cause conflict as to how much care your parent should really be receiving.
• Disagreements over how to handle resistance. If your parent is not receptive to care, or resists certain care efforts, your siblings might disagree on how to handle the resistance. Some might insist on pushing the issue, while others might support leaving your parent to their own devices until they recognize their need for care. The sibling on the “losing” side of this argument might refuse to participate in care.
• One child takes on everything. One particularly difficult source of conflict is if you are the only one of the siblings who is doing anything to care for your parent, or if you are doing the vast majority of the care and your siblings are only contributing occasionally or in token ways. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and taken advantage of, especially if the parent shows favoritism towards the other siblings.
• Leaving others out of the loop. If you choose to take on all of the responsibilities of caring for your parent and leave your siblings out, this may cause even more conflict. Your siblings could feel left out, or worry that your parent is not getting adequate care because more people are not involved. If you limit access to your parent, it can make the situation even worse.

Taking on the role of being a family caregiver for an elderly parent does not mean the other obligations, responsibilities, and needs of your life disappear.
When you are in this role, you must balance all of these needs, which can leave you feeling stressed and even overwhelmed. If you are facing other issues, such as living at a distance from your parent, dealing with conflict with your siblings, or helping your parent manage extensive needs, you are likely to face even greater stress.

Fortunately, elderly care can help. The services of an elderly home care services provider are completely customizable, meaning you can feel confident your senior is getting exactly what they need to remain safe, healthy, and comfortable while pursuing independence and fulfillment in the ways that are right for them. Not only can this reduce your stress by decreasing the number of tasks you need to handle for your parent, but it can also act to ease tension and conflict over disagreements regarding your senior’s care.

If you or a loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

Home Health Care in Annandale VA: Downsizing Senior’s Belongings

Use these tips to help start downsizing your parent’s belongings on National Give Something Away Day:

• • Talk with your parent about the items they have already decided to pass on to members of the family. Make a record of these items if your parent does not have a will, and consider marking them in a subtle way, such as putting a piece of colored tape in an inconspicuous area of furniture.

• • Encourage your senior to give a living legacy rather than waiting a for family members and friends to inherit items. By giving them these items now, your parents will be able to explain to the person that the significance of the item and why they gave it to them, and enjoy the reaction of the recipient, while also making the beneficial step of streamlining their own home

• • Talk to your aging parents about the various charitable organizations in your area that could benefit from the items they have in they are home. Traditional organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army are always an option, but your parent may be more drawn to smaller organizations such as shelters. For example, women’s shelters always benefit from clothing, while animal shelters can use old blankets and towels

• • Contact local organizations to find out if they are capable of picking up large donations such as furniture, appliances, unused cars, and more. Making getting these items out of the home simpler can make it easier for your parents to give them away

• • When going through items, put those items your parent is willing to part with in a box and get it out of the home as quickly as possible. This is particularly important for those who may be dealing with a cognitive functioning decline and are likely to go back through the boxes to take the items out after organization.

Senior care can be a valuable addition to your aging parent’s life at a variety of stages. It is a common misconception that this type of care is only beneficial for those who are very elderly, or who are dealing with extensive limitations. While the personalized services of a senior home care services provider can be highly beneficial for those individuals, this type of care can also greatly enhance your senior’s life even if they are still largely independent, and only have some mild to moderate challenges.

A care provider can step in to help your parent deal with issues such as no longer being able to drive on their own, dealing with low vision or hearing loss, mobility difficulties, or even need for more social interaction. This allows your parent to live their highest quality of life now, and as they experience further changes and challenges in their later years.

If you or a loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Annandale, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

Home Care in Falls Church VA: Depression & Your Senior

Depression is treatable.

It can be helped with therapy, medications, or a mix of both. Left untreated, depression may make it hard to function and can lead to suicidal thoughts. Don’t let this happen to your mom or dad. Don’t ignore the signs of depression.

What Are the Signs of Depression?

More than 6 out of 10 men and women over the age of 65 admit they don’t know much about depression. Some of the key signs are a change in appetite, sleeping pattern changes, and a constant feeling of sadness.

Someone who is depressed may withdraw from friends and family.

Refusing to get out of bed is common. A senior citizen with depression may be restless and irritable. It can be hard to concentrate. Often, the senior will feel worthless and even feel physical pain for which doctors can find no reason for that pain.

Feeling blue once in a while is normal. If the sadness lasts for weeks and weeks, it could be depression. If you suspect something is wrong, call your mom or dad’s doctor to ask for advice.

Caregivers Can Help Ease Depression

One of the things an expert in depression may suggest is to make sure your mom or dad gets out of the house often. Your parent will benefit from finding a new hobby, daily exercise, and plenty of socialization. This can be hard to get at home when you live alone and no longer drive.

With a caregiver available throughout the week, your mom or dad has a ride to the local senior center for social activities. There’s a caregiver on hand for companionship. Your parent can go on walks with the caregiver and feel safe while walking down the street or along a trail or path.

Diet also helps ease depression.

Fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help balance the brain chemicals. Elder care services include things like meal preparation, grocery shopping, and even menu planning.

Talk to an elder care agency today to get started. You arrange the services and times that best meet your parent’s needs. Involve your parent from the start and help them avoid fears of losing independence by asking for help. Call now.

If you or a loved-one are considering Home Care in Falls Church, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

Sources:

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

Elderly Care in Springfield VA: Problems with Incontinence

Talk about it Only as Much as Is Necessary

One mistake that’s easy for caregivers to make is to talk about incontinence concerns more than is strictly necessary. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed or upset about. This is a situation that can be easily handled and doesn’t require a ton of discussion to resolve. You do want to talk to your senior’s doctor, especially if this is a new concern that might have a medical cause.

Put up Some Signs for the Bathroom

If memory issues can be a factor for your elderly family member, then some signs might be a good idea. You can go as simple as hand-writing signs on notebook paper or you can find fancier signs that indicate the way to the bathroom. Going the more decorative route can help your senior to feel less as if this is a big deal or something to feel bad about.

Check for Clutter on the Way to the Bathroom

Another potential issue to consider is that if there is any clutter or obstacle on the way to the bathroom that can slow your senior down. If she doesn’t have anything slowing her down, then it’s much easier for your senior to get where she needs to be.

Clothing Makes a Difference

What your aging adult wears can make more of a difference than you might think when it comes to avoiding incontinence issues. Clothing that has Velcro closures or snaps can be a lot easier to manage in a hurry than buttons or other closures can be. If you’re helping your elderly family member during these bathroom trips, modified closures can make it easier for you to manage her clothing for her.

Try out Some Incontinence Products

Many aging adults with incontinence are uncomfortable with incontinence products. They worry that these products are obvious and that they might not work well. The truth is that incontinence products have come a long way in recent years. There is also a wide variety of different products, so there’s something for everyone if your senior is willing to try out a few different types of products.

Make Sure Help Is Available

You probably can’t be there for your senior every time she needs the restroom, even if you want to be. Many aging adults feel more comfortable with someone else there, such as home care providers. This gives you and her both peace of mind when you can’t be there to help.
When you’ve got the practical considerations in hand, it’s easier for your elderly family member to believe that incontinence doesn’t have to be a big deal.

If you or a loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Springfield, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

However, snacks are a key part of successfully managing diabetes, especially in the elderly. Family caregivers that are responsible for an aging loved one with diabetes must learn about the advantages of healthy snacks as part of their elderly relative’s diet and how successful snacking can actually help them stay healthy and energetic.

Senior Care in Arlington VA: Snacks for Diabetic Seniors

Diabetes and Seniors

Elderly adults have a high risk of developing diabetes especially if they have a lifetime of poor eating habits and a family history of the disease. Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and age. In fact, 1 in 4 elderly Americans over the age of 60 have developed diabetes. It occurs when the body no longer produces insulin to control blood glucose levels. Diet, exercise, and medication are the only ways to control it.

If diabetes is not properly treated, it can lead to serious health problems. These include high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, circulation complications and in some cases, a coma. The best hope for elderly adults with diabetes is to develop a healthy lifestyle that includes diabetes-friendly snacks that keep blood glucose levels stable.

Diabetes-Friendly Snacks

When it comes to diabetes-friendly snacks, not just any food will do. Medical experts recommend snacks that are high in protein and fiber and low in sodium and sugar. Seniors should eat snacks every few hours and pair them with plenty of water to drink. Elderly adults that depend on family caregivers and senior care providers to do the grocery shopping and meal prep should make sure the snacks are the best choices for controlling diabetes symptoms.

Here is a list of diabetes-friendly snacks that are ideal for seniors with the disease:

• Fresh fruit, not canned
• Nuts and legumes
• Peanut butter whole wheat toast
• Plain yogurt with fresh fruit
• Raw vegetables and dip
• Trail mix
• Protein shakes
• Fruit smoothies (no sugar)
• Tuna or chicken salad and wheat crackers
• Carrots or celery and hummus
• Veggie chips
• String cheese
• Beef sticks
• Baked sweet potato

The types of snacks to avoid include those with lots of sugar, fat, sodium and carbs.

Highly processed food is also unhealthy and bad for diabetics. Family caregivers should keep portion sizes in mind, even for the healthy snacks because too much of any food isn’t good for seniors with diabetes.

There are so many things that elderly adults can eat for healthy snacks that will keep blood glucose levels stabilized. Family caregivers need to educate themselves and their aging loved ones on the right kinds of snack, as well as when and how much to have so that they can successfully manage the effects of this devastating disease.

If you or a loved-one are considering Senior care in Arlington, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081

Source:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

Homecare in Leesburg VA: Senior Bathroom Safety

Opt for Hand Rails that Match Other Fixtures as Closely as Possible

One reason that your stylish senior might avoid installing or using grab bars is that they might not go with the rest of the aesthetic she’s got going on in her bathroom. It might seem obvious that safety is more important, but you can find handrails in a lot of different styles now. Look for one that will blend in better with your senior’s bathroom fixtures and she’s more likely to let you install them everywhere that makes sense.

Put Shampoo and Soap into Wall Dispensers

Shampoo, conditioner, and even soap can become a big hazard in the bathroom. Not only are the products themselves slippery, but wrestling with bottles, jars, and other types of containers can get to be a little bit much. Look for wall dispensers that you can install in the shower and near the sink to contain those products safely. Your senior can dispense the right product easily without having to worry about dropping anything.

Affix Non-slip Backings to Rugs

Your senior may love the rugs and other floor coverings in her bathroom because they look great, but to you, they might look like a huge fall risk. You might be able to compromise if you’re able to attach a non-slip backing to the underside of the rugs. This allows the floor covering to be a little bit more secure but again preserves the aesthetic your senior wants.

Install a Removable Shower Head with a Long Handle

Whether your elderly family member is finding bathing a little more difficult or you’re helping her more in the shower, it might be time to replace that stationary shower head. Using one with a long cord and handle gives you and your senior better maneuverability while also allowing for more stability in the tub. These are also excellent if your senior has started to use a shower chair or bench.

If you’re not sure what else might help your senior’s bathroom to be a little safer, consider asking senior care providers for some extra help. They’ve got a lot of experience in helping aging adults to age in place safely without giving up more than they are prepared to give.

If you or a loved-one are considering Homecare in Leesburg, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Elder Care in Fairfax VA: Rainy Day Activities

#1 Break Out a Board Game

Board games are an excellent way to pass the time. Pull out old classics like Monopoly, checkers, chess, Yahtzee, or Parchisi. Most people know how to play them, so anyone who is with the senior can join in, including their elderly care provider. In addition to busting boredom, research has also indicated that older adults who play games have a 15% less chance of developing dementia.

#2 Crack Open a Good Book

Reading a book is a good way to relax and keep the brain active at the same time. A study conducted at the University of Sussex indicated that reading reduces stress levels by 68 percent. If the senior has trouble reading because of vision problems, an elderly care provider can read to them.

#3 Make Something

Crafts give older adults a creative outlet and keep their fingers busy. Anyone can craft, you just have to find what piques the senior’s interest. Try upcycling household items, such as turning an old container into a decorative vase or coin bank. Elderly care providers can help seniors with crafts by assisting them to gather supplies. They can also do parts of the craft that are difficult for the senior, such as threading a needle or manipulating small pieces.

#4 Watch a Movie

Pop in a good DVD or choose a movie from a streaming service. Then, make a healthy snack and let the older adult sit back and enjoy the show. An elderly care provider can prepare the snack and help set up the movie.

#5 Catch Up with Friends and Family

A rainy day is a good opportunity for the senior to spend some time catching up with the people they love. They can send emails, write letters or cards, or make phone calls. Elderly care providers can help those with low vision by typing or writing for the senior.

If you or a loved-one are considering Elder Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Sources
Blog.arthritis.org
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
telegraph.co.uk

Elder Care in Manassas VA: Lewy Body Dementia

Key Symptoms and Patient Difficulties

The main symptoms and issues caused by Lewy body dementia are:

• Aggression
• Bladder and bowel problems like incontinence and constipation
• Depression
• Difficulty perceiving depth, direction, and orientation
• A difficulty with movements due to stiffness in limbs
• Hallucinations
• Inability to regulate body temperature and/or blood pressure
• Increased risk of falls
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Problems sleeping

Not every patient experiences all of the symptoms. Abilities will worsen over time. Lewy body is rarely diagnosed before the age of 50. Your parent may be okay alone at first, but as the disease progresses, caregivers become necessary to help with activities of daily living.

Things Your Parent Will Need

-Difficulty walking is one of the common symptoms. Your parent may become unsteady and fall while trying to get from the bed to the bathroom or in and out of the bathtub or shower. You or a caregiver need to be on hand for these transfers to help prevent a fall.

-In the more advanced stages, loss of bowel and bladder control can happen. Your parent may need to start wearing adult diapers. Diaper changes and a quick sponge bath to prevent infection will be needed every day. Assistance with bathing and grooming will both be necessary. It can be awkward for an adult child to offer that to a parent, and it can also be awkward for your mom or dad. It’s worth discussing to get their feelings on the subject.

-Your parent won’t be able to drive. You’ll need to drive your mom or dad to the store, appointments, friend’s houses, adult day programs, and senior centers. Balancing your work schedule with your parent’s transportation may require the help of senior transportation services.

-Companionship is essential to someone with Lewy Body. Depression and mood changes may cause your parent to want to withdraw and become isolated. Don’t let that happen. Spend time with your parent when you can. Hire caregivers to fill in gaps where you, family friends, and other family members have other obligations.

Discuss the range of services available to your parent. Call a home care agency and ask about caregivers today.

If you or a loved-one are considering Elder Care in Manassas, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Sources:
Nia.nih.gov

Senior Care in Fairfax VA: Surgery Aftercare

Post-Op Behavior is Important for Recovery

There are many reasons why an elderly person might need to have surgery. Some of the most common are hip or knee replacements, varicose veins, inserting devices like pacemakers, removing cancerous or non-cancerous tumors, taking out infected tissue, and routine surgeries such as for cataracts. Family members are usually part of the support leading up to the surgery and even for the day of the surgery. It’s the days and weeks that are after the surgery that make a real difference to recovery.

During the time after returning home from surgery, seniors must abide by the doctor’s orders for treatment and recovery. Usually, post-op patients need to take medicine and avoid sitting around all day. If they don’t get up and move a little, they could develop bed sores, nerve damage or blood clots in the legs. Post-surgery seniors will also be unable to do a lot of things for themselves, such as pick up prescriptions and medications, shop for groceries, prepare meals, bathe, dress and clean the house. If your aging mom or dad is unable to do all these things, their recovery could be in jeopardy.

Home Care Aides Bring Peace of Mind

Post-operative assistance for elderly adults can mean the difference between a fast and full recovery and one that is slow and full of complications and setbacks. Many family members find that hiring a home care assistant is the best way for their aging relative to have their needs met while they are in the recovery phase. As much as you might want to be around to help your elderly parent for the six to eight weeks after a surgery, your other responsibilities will certainly get in the way.

Hiring a home care assistant for an elderly adult recovering from surgery can bring peace of mind for both family members and the elderly patient. It can be very challenging for a senior to keep track of all the medicine they need, as well as what doses and when to take them. They may need assistance with daily care tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting. It’s important that they get up and walk around several times per day according to the doctor’s recommendation.

If you are worried about your elderly parent making a full and complete recovery after a surgery, look into hiring in-home care services Being cared for by a professional home care aide allows elderly adults to focus on recovering instead of worrying about taking care of themselves.

If you or a loved-one are considering Senior Care in Fairfax, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073675/

Elder Care in Alexandria VA: Caregiver Fears

Small Fears Can Be Helpful

Smaller fears can help to keep you alert, especially when they’re reasonable. For example, you might be afraid that your senior could fall. So you go through her house and eliminate tripping hazards that could make her fall. That’s a fear that helps you to do something positive. Other fears are less reasonable and are usually so big that you can’t do much to alleviate or remove those fears.

Evaluate Whether Your Fears Are Reasonable or Not

If you’re dealing with a lot of different fears, take some time and write them out in a list. Everything that comes to mind, jot it down. Some of those fears may strike you immediately as reasonable, while others might be just as quickly recognizable as something you can’t do much about. Put each fear in one of the two categories.

Use a “What If” Exercise

Take one of your larger and less reasonable fears and try a “what if” exercise with it. This means that you’re going to ask yourself what if the situation you’re afraid of happens. Keep going. Each time that you get to another conclusion that feels like a stopping point, ask what if that happens. You might realize a few things after doing this activity. First, you might find that you do have valid solutions to this problem. More common is that you might realize that these fears are extremely unlikely to happen at all because the reality is quite different.

Set up Contingency Plans

For the reasonable fears, it’s time to put some contingency plans in motion. “What if” exercises can help you do this, too. For example, if you’re concerned about taking time away from your senior because you’re convinced something will go wrong, then it’s a good idea to hire elder care providers to take over for you. Find backups for your backups so that you’ve always got a person and a plan on which to rely.

Talk to Someone if You Need More Help

Setting some of these bigger fears aside can be really difficult. If you need more help with that, look for a counselor or therapist who can help you to work through those feelings. Leaving them alone can cause them to become even bigger, which can interfere with being a caregiver.

If you’re constantly afraid of what might happen or what has happened in the past, you can’t be an effective caregiver. Fear shuts everything down and keeps you from having the clear head that you need in order to make solid decisions for your elderly family member.

If you or a loved-one are considering Elder Care in Alexandria, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.