Elderly Parents Archives - Oh My Heartsie Girl

November 18, 2018

Why Letting Someone Else Care For Your Elderly Loved One May Be the Best Option

How do you feel about someone else taking care of your elderly parent?

When it comes to family and elderly loved ones, it is almost always the family members who feel that they are responsible and that they know what is best. You may have an elderly parent or another family member who is aged and needs some help with daily tasks. You feel that you are the one to be there by their side. Although you may be there for them as a labor of love and wouldn’t have it any other way, it can be straining, especially if you already have a busy and full schedule of your own. You most likely cannot be there for your loved one at all times, and you can’t give them around-the-clock care unless you are by their side at every waking moment.

If you have a care center in mind, but you are still undecided, you should visit it in person and take a tour to get a feel of what it is like. You should also take a peek at the monthly calendar to see what kind of activities are planned and if it looks like a fun place to be. Ask plenty of questions and express your concern for anything that you may have an issue with or that you are unsure about. You may not have found the care center that you would trust your loved one to live in, but there are plenty out there so keep looking. A good place to check out is https://www.pegasusseniorliving.com since they are a well-rounded center with staff who care about their clients.

Care centers have gotten somewhat of a bad reputation over the years. They are not all the same, and most of them provide a very loving and caring environment that will give the elderly who live there their daily essentials and social interaction. Many care centers even arrange for special guests to come and entertain those who live there. There are often many fun activities planned throughout the day to make the time spent there more pleasurable.

If your loved one requires a nurse’s care or medication, having staff on hand will be able to administer all the proper medication at the times that they need to be administered. You will find that your time spent with your loved one will be more enjoyable, as well, since you will not have the full-time job of caring for them.

It can be stressful when you have an elderly loved one living alone and you are not with them. If something were to happen to your loved one when you were not there, they might not get the help that they need in time.

Having your loved one living in a care facility will make them feel as if they belong to a community. They will have the opportunity to meet others and to develop friendships. This can become more difficult with age since it can get harder to get around. Being with others keeps them from getting lonely when you are not able to be there. With all of the nurses and others living at the facility, there will be plenty of people to talk to and to play a card game with. You will also be able to breathe easier. If anything were to happen, there are nurses on site at all times who can help.

It can be very hard to let go of a familiar routine, but often it is for the best. Care centers do their best to provide health, wellness, and fitness programs, as well as transportation services. They also ensure that those living at their facilities get the nutrition and meals that they should be getting to ensure that they stay healthy and strong. They even offer to counsel, along with educational and arts programs. Keeping the mind occupied at an elderly age is just as important as keeping the body healthy and can help to keep many diseases and ailments at bay, such as Alzheimer’s.

Studies have shown that seniors who participate in programs at care centers can actually delay the onset of many chronic diseases and also improve in their spiritual, social, emotional, mental, and economic well-being.

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May 8, 2018

How to Help an Aging Parent

Getting old is part of life. It might be strange to watch your parents get on in years, but there’s beauty in old age. Many people find their senior years the happiest in their life. Your parents have every reason to enjoy this season in their life, and as their child, you can enjoy their enjoyment. A tougher future, however, is just around the corner. Right now, your parent is able to care for his or herself, and do things for his or herself around the house. Eventually, however, you may need to move Mom or Dad to an Assisted Living, or provide in-home care.

It isn’t easy contemplating their last season of life, since it will be a difficult time for everyone. You can, however, make that transition smoother. Start getting Mom or Dad used to accepting help, and remember to not be pushy. They’re probably only too fully aware that life gets harder from here. They might be resistant to help. You wouldn’t want a fall or home emergency to occur, however, just because the two of you didn’t prepare together. Start making an effort to help around their house. Together, the two of you can start crafting a comfortable, safe future.

Get Finances in Place

Finances will likely be your biggest worry as your parent ages. For them as well, money will likely be a source of tension. It’s not easy to realize you don’t have enough saved for your future, and your parent may feel guilty for needing your help. They may, on the other hand, feel entitled to your financial care: which could cause grouchiness on your part. Be ready for tempests, and try to handle this season with as much patience as possible. Ideally, the two of you can work out a plan for their long-term care. Assisted Livings cost money, and every plan helps when it comes to caring for Mom or Dad’s future. They may need to relocate to an apartment and sell the house for added funds. You’ll likely want to start saving for your share of the long-term care, and you’ll want legal consultation for Medicaid plans in Syracuse, NY. Medicare and other forms of financial help, like a reverse mortgage, should be looked into well before they become a serious need.

Keep the House in Good Shape

Your parent’s home is probably getting on in years, too. If your parent isn’t quite as mobile as they used to be (climbing ladders onto the roof might not be their thing anymore) then certain aspects of the home may have fallen into disrepair. It’s your job to start keeping an eye out for things that need to be repaired around the house. At first, your parent may object to getting help from you, so start small and get them used to the idea. After a while, you should be able to check the foundation, inspect the attic, and double-check the plumbing without starting a squabble. It’s important that the home stay safe while your parent remains there, and the better care you take of their home, the more you’ll be able to sell it for. If the foundation is cracked or sinking, look into concrete raising and repair. If the heat isn’t working as well as it used to, contact heating and air conditioning repair services in Livonia, MI. You wouldn’t want the furnace to give out during a blizzard when you’re on vacation in Florida. Keep the home in good shape, and you’ll have better peace of mind.

Keep the Car in Good Condition

Your parent, as they age, will start to use their car less. Especially if they own a good car, you’ll want to keep it in good condition, despite its infrequent use. A car should be driven a couple of times each month, so feel free to use Mom or Dad’s car if you take them out to get groceries. If you find that your parent isn’t driving enough to make the car worth keeping, try to get a good price for it on craigslist. You might find it’s worth your while to get old dents and scrapes repaired, since the car probably has a low mileage. Contact auto body repair services in Lincoln City, OR and get your parent’s car looking great again. You’ll both be relieved by the financial boost the sold car provides, so make sure the car is in great shape as long as you have it around. You also wouldn’t want your parent to face an unsafe situation if they need to drive out in an emergency. A seldom-used car might fail to start, so make sure their car is running optimally at all times.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Caring for an aging parent isn’t easy. When you have a strained relationship with your parent, it can make their long-term care even harder. Remember, during this season, to take care of yourself as well. If your parent is critical or cruel in any way, limit your contact with them. They are getting older, and they do need help, but that doesn’t mean they get a get-out-of-jail-free card. You still deserve respect. If unsettled tension can be worked out with your parent, now is the right time to talk about old issues and start to pave a better relationship. This season will likely be emotional for you on several levels, and you need to take care of yourself as well as your parent. Don’t hesitate to see a therapist, especially if increased interaction with your parent is leaving you more anxious or snappish than usual. Your parent deserves proper care, but so do you–so maintain appropriate boundaries and self respect when dealing with your parent.

This upcoming season in your parent’s life won’t be easy, but it will be much easier if you start preparing for it now. The two of you can find better ways to keep peace, make plans, and ensure a seamless transition for both of you.

April 5, 2018

Are Essential Tremors Affecting My Loved One?

You have a concern. A spouse, friend, parent, or child has been shaking lately. He or she has been having trouble holding a glass, writing with a pencil, or even tying shoes. His or her hands tremble. You’re worried–could it be Parkinson’s Disease? You’re not sure what’s happening, but you want to find out as soon as possible. Your loved one could be suffering from essential tremors which is a disorder that affects 2.2% of the US population.

While this shaking can be frightening, there are answers available. To better understand essential tremors, and their treatment, consult the following steps.

Ruling Out Parkinson’s

Right away, you may want to know whether your loved one’s condition is essential tremors or Parkinson’s disease. There are a few key differences between the two, and these differences should be enough to ease your mind until you consult with a neuro specialist. If your loved one’s hands shake when doing tasks, such as chopping or pouring, then he or she likely has essential tremors. With Parkinson’s, the trembling tends to occur when a person is sitting still. Parkinson’s will also exhibit other symptoms, like a stoop or a difference in walking. If your loved one shakes the most when using his or her hands, then it’s unlikely that it’s Parkinson’s disease. You should, however, consult with a neuro specialist right away.

Gain a Diagnosis

Whether you join your loved one at the clinic, or wait to hear until he or she has come home, you and him or her will both want a diagnosis as soon as possible. Consult with a neuro specialist to identify the root issue. If the shaking is being caused by essential tremors, then you and your loved one can look into treatment options. Go local. For instance, if you live in New Jersey you should find the best treatment center for neurovascular conditions in Morristown, NJ or the surrounding area. Finding a nearby clinic will make treatment easier as your loved one reconfigures a routine.

Continue Treatment

Essential tremors may worsen over time. Your loved one can expect a series of symptoms, which may or may not become severe. The essential tremors typically begin on one side of the body, gradually. They become worse when your loved one moves, making tasks more difficult. They are worst in the hands and may affect one or both hands. Essential tremors can be aggravated by fatigue, caffeine, or changes in temperature. It’s important to seek treatment under your doctor’s guidance. Your loved one can also try Tremor Miracle for relieving tremors of the hands, head, legs, and feet.

Understanding what essential tremors are will help you understand if your loved one is suffering from them. While you won’t know for sure until you consult your neuro specialist, you can head into the neuro clinic with a better sense of what to expect. Essential tremors are not life-threatening, and while inconvenient, they can be treated. You and your loved one can enjoy a slightly altered lifestyle, without losing what matters most.
Related Health:
A Guide to Choosing the Best Elderly Care Company
Helping Your Elderly Parents To Enjoy Happy And Healthy Lives
How to Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits
What to Do When You Can’t Get a Diagnosis

March 12, 2018

How to Find the Right Care for an Aging Parent

Caring for an elderly parent can be a challenging time. Whether you’re the only child or one of many siblings, some of the duty will likely pass to you. The more they age, the more Mom or Dad will need some outside care. When it comes to giving them the assistance they need, you have several options. Consider a few of these ways of getting healthcare for an aging parent. How to Find the Right Care for an Aging Parent
Clinics
Before 24/7 care becomes necessary, your parent will likely need help with a few of their monthly health needs. Once your parent is no longer able to drive, he or she may need you to drive him or her to check-ups and special clinic visits. You’ll also want to assist your parent in watching for warning signs. Encourage a visit to a podiatrist to help prevent falls and a hearing care center if hearing starts to decline.

Becoming a Caretaker
Children can often be paid to care for an aging parent. Depending on your circumstances, you could receive a government salary for becoming your parent’s caretaker. While you’ll want to carefully weigh whether this is the best choice for both you and your parent, if your relationship with Mom or Dad is solid, having your loved one under your care could be the best thing for both of you. You won’t slack off, you won’t be unkind, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your parent’s care is being properly performed.

In-Home Care
A fairly new option for aging parents, an in-home nurse can visit your parent on a 24/7 or uniquely-arranged schedule. A CNA will provide your parent with care on-par with a nursing home, but in your parent’s own house instead. A great option for parents who are still a little mobile, or parents who strongly wish not to leave their house, an in-home caretaker can provide your parent with flexible care. Since the in-home care industry is relatively new, you’ll want to carefully screen any agency you work with and have your parent keep you up-to-date on the quality of care he or she is receiving.

Assisted Living
Still one of the best ways to care for an aging parent, an assisted living facility provides group activities, 24/7 care, regular meals, and anything else your parent might need in these later years. When choosing the right assisted living for Mom or Dad, try to get a sense of how the residents are treated. You could even offer to volunteer for a week or two, to get a better sense of how the home is run when family isn’t near. While some assisted living centers should be avoided, most provide 24/7 respect and best-quality care. Like this beautiful assisted living in Swartz Creek, MI, you can find the perfect place for Mom or Dad to call home.

While it can be stressful, taking care of an aging parent doesn’t have to be painful. Lean on the shoulders of clinics and healthcare professionals as you get the best proper care for your Mom or Dad. Together, you can make sure your parents enjoys the best that older age has to offer.
Finding the correct care for an aging parent is very important, but can also be quite hard to find the right carer that you trust. This nursing recruitment agency have some of the most qualified, professional care workers around.