Caregivers
“Michelle Deserves Every Ounce of Recognition”
Please join us in congratulating Michelle, as our most recent Caregiver of the Month!
Michelle has been a valued member of the Hired Hands team since August 2024 and we are proud to recognize her as our most recent Caregiver of the Month! Michelle is skilled, compassionate, and consistently brings a positive attitude to every client she serves. Her calm, cheerful personality provides comfort and reassurance to those in her care. Michelle is always creating meaningful moments that brighten clients’ days… Whether she’s playing the ukulele for a hospice client who enjoys music, assisting a client record entries in a Keepsake Journal for a grandchild, or reading a favorite book aloud, Michelle has a special way of creating moments of peace, connection, and joy. Michelle is gracious, dependable, and is always willing to go the extra mile. She cares deeply about our … Read More »
Don’t Let a Diagnosis of Cancer Overtake Your Parent’s Life
After a cancer diagnosis, it can seem as though one word suddenly takes over every corner of life. It becomes the focus of conversations, fills the calendar with appointments, and influences decisions that never used to require much thought. Before long, you and your parent may find yourselves measuring life by what happened before the diagnosis of cancer and everything that has happened since.
As you settle into this new normal, you’ll likely discover that many of the biggest changes take place at home. Treatment understandably becomes a priority, but everyday life keeps moving forward. The garden still needs watering. The morning coffee still tastes best on the back patio. Your parent still wants to hear how the grandchildren are doing, ask about your week, or tell the same favorite family story that somehow never gets old.
Those moments … Read More »
If Mom Has Alzheimer’s, Will You Get It Too?
When Mom has Alzheimer’s and you watch her struggling to remember your name or losing track of her daily routine, an unsettling thought might creep into your mind: “Will this happen to me, too?” It’s natural to struggle with the fear of facing the same challenges as a loved one with dementia. We invite you to take a deep breath and consider the following facts about, causes of, and risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to help empower you to navigate these worries and find some peace of mind.
Genetic Factors and Family History
One of the first things to consider is the role of genetics. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, has a hereditary component. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s are at a higher risk … Read More »
How to Make Life Better for Someone With Alzheimer’s Using Routines and Reminders
When it comes to Alzheimer’s, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Simple, thoughtful routines and reminders can transform life for the individual, bringing moments of calm and clarity. They help the person maintain their independence while creating a comforting rhythm that both of you can rely on. Here are some innovative strategies to make life better for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Consistent Daily Routines: A consistent daily routine provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is extremely comforting for someone with Alzheimer’s. Try to schedule activities like meals, bathing, and bedtime at the same times each day. This regularity helps to reinforce memory and create a calming environment. Keep the routine simple and avoid making too many changes, as this can be confusing and unsettling.
Visual Reminders: Visual reminders are effective tools for helping someone with Alzheimer’s … Read More »
Why So Many Rehospitalizations Happen During the First Week Home
The hospital stay is over. Discharge instructions have been reviewed. Everyone is eager to get back to familiar surroundings and begin the recovery process at home. It feels like an important step forward.
However, the days immediately following a hospital discharge are often more fragile than many people realize. A large percentage of rehospitalizations happen during the first week home, not because of a major medical crisis, but because recovery can be more complicated than expected.
In many cases, it isn’t one significant problem that leads to a return trip to the hospital. Instead, it’s a collection of smaller issues that gradually create larger challenges. A medication gets missed. A follow-up appointment gets postponed. A symptom is brushed off as part of the healing process. Everyday activities become more difficult than anticipated.
Understanding where recovery commonly goes off course … Read More »
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY Weekend!
Happy Fourth of July!
This weekend, we join the nation in celebrating independence, freedom and the opportunity to provide care that change lives. As you fire up the grill and enjoy the fireworks with your family and friends, we want to thank you for everything you do! Providing critical home care to people is really hard work. The Hired Hands Homecare team whole heartedly salutes you for all your hard work and compassion that helps keep our clients safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes!
We hope you have a fun and safe Independence Day!
~The HIRED HANDS HOMECARE Team
What Is Caregiver Burden, and Is It Impacting You?
Caring for an older loved one is an act of love and devotion, but it can also feel like a never-ending marathon. The emotional highs of shared smiles and laughter can quickly be overshadowed by the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with constant caregiving. This challenging journey can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and isolated, a state known as caregiver burden.
What Is Caregiver Burden?
Caregiver burden encompasses the emotional, physical, and financial toll that caregiving can take. Emotionally, the constant worry and stress about your family member’s well-being can lead to anxiety and depression. Physically, caregiving tasks such as lifting, bathing, and moving the person can cause significant strain and fatigue. Financially, the costs of medical supplies, home modifications, and potentially reduced work hours can lead to financial stress and uncertainty.
Social isolation is another key aspect … Read More »
Why Is My Parent With Dementia Hiding Things?
We’ve all experienced that moment of sheer panic when we can’t find our keys or wallet. It’s frustrating and disorienting. Now, picture this happening multiple times a day, coupled with an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. This is a common experience for those with dementia. To make things even more unsettling, the person with dementia may often be hiding the objects themselves, typically in places you’re not likely to look.
So, why is your parent with dementia hiding things? There are several key issues that may be at play.
Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a manifestation of the confusion and memory loss that accompany dementia. As memory fades, a person with dementia may no longer remember where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can … Read More »
How to Talk About Home Care Without Creating Resistance
Did you ever notice how some phrases instantly make people defensive, even when the intention behind them is completely harmless? Telling someone they’re being “careful” sounds very different from calling them “paranoid.” Describing a person as “independent” creates a much warmer reaction than saying they “can’t handle things anymore.” The emotional meaning behind words matters, especially when figuring out how to talk about home care with your parent.
Conversations about home care are rarely just about errands, meals, or household tasks. For an older adult, certain words can stir up fears about aging, losing independence, or no longer being capable. And once those emotions surface, the conversation can quickly become tense. That’s why the language you choose can shape the entire discussion.
Words Like “Care” and “Caregiver” Can Feel Overwhelming
To you, the word “caregiver” may simply describe someone helpful … Read More »
Help at Home for Seniors Shouldn’t Wait for a Breaking Point
Decisions about home care are rarely straightforward. When your parent is still living independently and managing most daily routines, it can be difficult to know whether bringing in help at home for seniors is truly necessary or whether it somehow means “things are getting worse.”
That uncertainty causes a lot of people to wait longer than they probably need to. But home care is often most beneficial before daily challenges become overwhelming. Starting support earlier can help your parent remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home while also reducing the growing pressure you may be carrying yourself.
Part of the hesitation usually comes from misunderstandings about what home care actually looks like. If you’ve been unsure whether now is the right time, you may recognize some of these common concerns.
You May Assume Home Care Is Only for Serious … Read More »
