Caregivers

Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD isn’t easy. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do everything you can to help. What you might not realize is that COPD often brings along other health issues, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed in tandem with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these potential comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to receive screenings and treatment as needed.

Here are some of the most common COPD comorbidities:

Cardiovascular Diseases. One of the most common comorbidities your family member might face is cardiovascular disease. People with COPD are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. The reasons for this increased risk include … Read More »

You’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and start working on downsizing and decluttering your parents’ home. As you begin sorting through the attic, you come across a box of old family photos, a stack of forgotten love letters, a collection of vintage toys. Each item holds a story, a piece of history, and a flood of memories.

Decluttering is so much more than just a housekeeping chore. It can be a memorable, emotionally charged occasion. It’s a task that should include your parents so that together, you can reminisce, rediscover treasures, and take a journey through time.

Why Declutter?

Aside from the sentimental, decluttering your parents’ home is important for several reasons:

Safety: Reducing clutter minimizes the risk of falls and injuries, making the home safer for your parents.
Organization: A decluttered space is easier to navigate and maintain, which … Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 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

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 »

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 »