Respite Care
Accepting a Chronic Disease Diagnosis Is Beneficial for Seniors and Their Family Members
Facing a chronic disease diagnosis head-on does not mean giving up.
In Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s a standard feeling for many family caregivers when their loved one is faced with a chronic disease diagnosis, such as dementia. Even though this can instill some measure of comfort in thinking that life can carry on like it always has, if only we don’t acknowledge this new reality, the truth is that acknowledgement is extremely important in order to get the necessary support.
It is understandable for a family member to wish to deliver all of the care a senior loved one needs. Nevertheless, frequently in the crux of denial are feelings of guilt, helplessness, and in some cases incompetence in the ability to “fix things.” And you will … Read More »
What to Do When a Senior Is Unaware of Dementia Behaviors
Anosognosia for dementia patients, or the unawareness of dementia behaviors, can be challenging.
“How could you think that I have dementia? There’s not a single thing wrong with me!”
If a loved one with dementia expresses feelings like this, you might be thinking that he or she is simply in denial and unwilling to accept such a difficult diagnosis. Yet, there might be another reason: anosognosia, when a person is truly unaware that he or she is impaired by dementia.
Finding the most effective way to respond to a senior who is unfamiliar with his or her own dementia behaviors is a challenge. As the professional providers of the best elderly care Pleasanton and the surrounding area have to offer, we’ve compiled some tips to help family caregivers better manage care for someone with anosognosia:
Understand that the older … Read More »
Tips for Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis
Find tips to help when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis.
In some cases, the best lessons in life come about from going through them firsthand; yet the knowledge we are able to glean from those who have walked a similar path before us is priceless. If you are providing care for a senior who has been given a dementia diagnosis, and you’re becoming a bit stressed in this uncharted territory, the recommendations below can help:
A brief break often makes a big difference. Whenever your senior loved one is struggling with challenging feelings, such as fear or anger, it is advisable to stop whatever activity or task she is involved with, and allow time for a breather. Change the situation by moving into a different room or outside if the weather allows, play some favorite music, browse … Read More »
Senior Living Experts Share Benefits of Dementia Care at Home
Learn why dementia care at home may be best from the senior living team at Hired Hands Homecare.
Although an incredible number of older adults are dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, an even greater number of family members are trying to cope with caring for them. Incredibly, nearly 75% of family caregivers are managing their older loved ones’ dementia care needs by themselves, with only 26% seeking professional care services.
Of course, families want to do all they possibly can to satisfy their loved ones’ needs, but dementia caregiving can lead to an extremely high level of both mental and physical stress. This takes a toll on the caregivers’ own overall health over time, particularly once the disease progresses. And some family members think there is an all-or-nothing strategy: either manage their loved one’s needs at … Read More »
The Top Reason Seniors May Reject the Idea of Caregiver Services: It May Surprise You!
Older adults tend to resist the idea of caregiver services for one surprising reason.
As the top San Rafael home care providers for the surrounding area, we see firsthand everyday the joy, companionship, and enhanced quality of life older adults receive through our caregiver services. Yet we also know that many seniors initially reject the idea of in-home care help.
To help overcome a senior’s objections to the care needed, it’s important to first understand why he or she is opposed to help at home. And while of course each person will have unique reasoning to support declining help, some of the more common feelings include:
Fear of lost freedom and independence
A desire to remain in control, and not wanting someone to come in and “take over”
Not wanting a “stranger” in the home
Feelings of shame or embarrassment in the … Read More »
The Hospice Conversation: Tips from Hired Hands Homecare
Talking through emotions with someone in need of hospice care is important.
When someone you love has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, it might seem as though the best course of action is to talk about anything and everything BUT the illness and diagnosis, to ensure a positive, upbeat atmosphere and boost the person’s spirits. Yet although it is most certainly a good idea to offer a bright spot in the person’s life by staying optimistic, it’s just as important to provide the individual with ample opportunities to talk through any thoughts, feelings, and fears.
To take it a step further, providing the hospice patient with the opportunity to talk through end-of-life concerns can help lift a tremendous burden. So what’s the best approach to let your loved one know you’re available to share in these kinds of difficult … Read More »
The 6 Key Points About Hospice Care You Need to Know
Learn some of the most essential facts about hospice care.
When a family member enters into hospice care, it’s, understandably, a challenging and emotionally charged time for the individual’s loved ones, and raises a variety of questions. What exactly does hospice care entail? Who provides this type of care for your loved one? Should the person be in the hospital, or can hospice care be provided at home? Following are some essential hospice care tips from the experts at Hired Hands Homecare.
Hospice care is about helping individuals experience the highest quality of life possible each day, with comfort and support provided to both the person receiving hospice care and his or her family members.
The hospice team is comprised of nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health care aides, and bereavement counselors. The individual who is receiving hospice care will have … Read More »
Is Family Caregiving Impacting Your Business? Find the Help You Need Here!
Family caregiving can have an effect on your business growth. Find help here.
The number of families providing care for a senior loved one is on the rise, with many overly-stressed full-time employees having to leave work in order to provide care for a loved one. Is family caregiving impacting your business? The Walnut Creek senior home care team at Hired Hands Homecare suggests asking yourself the following questions:
Do you have employees who are arriving to work late or leaving early to tend to family caregiving issues?
Are your employees taking unpaid leaves of absence or using personal or sick days to provide care for family members?
Have any of your employees refused new assignments, relocation opportunities, or work-related travel because of family caregiving issues?
Has an employee left your business to provide full-time care for a family member?
If you … Read More »
Family Caregivers, You’re Not Alone! Find Relief with Respite Care Services
Family caregivers can find the support they need with respite care services.
In spite of spending plenty of time with a senior loved one, family caregivers can often feel very isolated and alone. These feelings, although normal, can result in depression and other health problems if not kept in check. When family and friends are not available to help provide respite care services, there are several community service options that can help family caregivers care for their loved ones.
Senior Centers and Other Senior Organizations: Local senior centers often have programs or can offer other resources to family caregivers in need of respite.
Veterans’ Programs: Family caregivers who are caring for a veteran can explore whether the person is qualified to receive financial coverage for home care or adult day care.
Adult Day Care: For seniors who are well enough, … Read More »
Discover the Benefits of Respite Care – A Win/Win for Seniors and Their Loved Ones
Respite care helps both seniors and their family members enjoy a better quality of life.
Meeting the ongoing care needs of an elderly or disabled loved one is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding job, requiring time for the family caregiver to rest and relax on occasion. Respite care allows for the relief needed from the daily tasks of caregiving, allowing the family caregiver to also care for himself or herself.
Here are the basic principles of respite care:
Relief from ongoing care responsibilities allows seniors to still receive the attention they deserve.
Respite care provides family caregivers with care that is planned, temporary, intermittent and substitute.
Time required for respite can vary, from just a few hours one day to ongoing, scheduled, routine relief.
How to help a family caregiver:
Offer to take turns in providing care. Even if you can … Read More »
