Showing posts with label in home nurse caregiver cinnaminson and delran new jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in home nurse caregiver cinnaminson and delran new jersey. Show all posts

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia


 

Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia

As we age, it's perfectly normal for all of us to forget certain things from time to time. As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and it's the most common form of dementia. Dementia is defined as a state of serious emotional and mental deterioration. This is not to be confused with Alzheimer's. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, seniors can suffer from dementia and not have Alzheimer's.


Caring In Home Companion
A person with dementia struggles with memory loss and other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. It's caused by changes in the brain and generally doesn't start until around age 65 and older, although it can start in any stage of adulthood. There are other illnesses that mimic dementia-like symptoms such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to address any of these possible illnesses with your parent's doctor if you suspect they may be an issue.
According to the Alzheimer's Association the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer's:
  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities
  • Changes in mood and personality
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, it can also take a tremendous toll on your own physical and emotional well-being. There's no need to go it alone. Senior Helpers can create a customized care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. We'll help your loved one cope better with a cueing program that stimulates their ability to remember and we'll carefully monitor everything from medication to daily activities. As experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care, you can trust Senior Helpers to make your loved one's life-and yours-much easier and more enjoyable!
Senior Helpers can help your loved one live independently at home for many wonderful years to come! Please visit our website to learn how we can help you.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Assisted Living for Your Senior Parents

Assisted Living for Your Senior Parents





For children of senior parents, it might be a tough decision to sign up their parents for assisted living. However, pretty soon they’ll realize that it is for the better.  In fact, the most challenging part is on recognizing the signs that your parent is already in need of these services. As soon as you notice some of the things I’ll discuss below, then it is high time to think through your options. You and your parents will have a much better life if they have someone staying with them who can help them go through their daily lives properly and safely.



1.      Depression. This is a common and strong sign that a senior is in need of assisted living. While depression may be a normal phenomenon after the death of a spouse, it should not continue many years after. And while you may not be clear how to identify depression, you can look around and see if menial things such as keeping the house clean or the refrigerator full are being neglected. When they fail to do these things, it not only means that the elder is physically incapable of doing the work, but also that they are no longer aware or care about these things.

2.      When seniors start wearing the same clothes every day then it’s a clear indicator that they are in need of assisted living. Often, these seniors also stop brushing their teeth or taking a bath. As soon as you notice this, you’ll have to ask for help quickly because their health is at risk.

3.      If you notice that your senior parent is getting cuts or bruises frequently you should act immediately for them to receive proper care as soon as possible. This is because as a person gets older, his skin becomes more fragile and cannot heal fast.



While some of the signs above are obvious, others require your careful observation. But the bottom line is that when you notice any of these signs in your aging parent, then it’s time to consider getting an assisted living service for him. By far, this is the best thing you can do for him so that they will have the care that they desperately need. At the end of the day, they will live a happier and healthier life and you can have the peace of mind knowing that they are always being taken care of.


Friday, January 20, 2012

How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help

The Best elder care And In Home Care In Little Egg Harbor New Jersey Offers Advice On How To Help An Aging Parent Who Refuses Help


During My frequent visits to my patients in southern ocean county New Jersey I get a chance to hear what is on the minds and hearts of adult children, the challenges that are the toughest for them to deal with. One question I hear over and over goes something like this, “We see our parents struggling with their living situation, and we have tried every way possible to talk with them about it, but they refuse to accept help in their home. What can we do?”
Before I offer up some suggestions, I want to take a step back and explore the situation from your parents’ perspective.
  • On a high level, the mention of services brought into the home can make your parent think, “This is the first step to losing my independence. If this happens, what’s next?” Whether they consciously or unconsciously have this thought, they will want to fiercely grab on to the life they know and resist any change.
  • Your parent may treasure their privacy, so even the mention of bringing a home aide or visiting nurse into their home, may be unsettling.
  • Your parent may be financially conservative, wanting to be frugal and responsible. They’ve lived through the Great Depression. They see their health care costs rising, and the instability of world economy.
So, with those thoughts in mind, how can we approach the conversation in a more empathetic way? At Senior Helpers of Little Egg Harbor NJ , we strive to listen empathetically , because
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
  • Begin by listening to your parent. Have a relaxed conversation away from your homes, perhaps in a park or some other peaceful setting. You’ll be amazed at how this can break the cycle of a “stuck” conversation. Ask a big question like, “Mom, what has been the most difficult part of aging for you?” She’ll have to dig deep to answer that, and you’ll learn about her values, wishes and goals. And, you will then be able to find common ground and build trust as you work together in the future, in finding the right option for your parent.
  • Observe. I share in my book and presentations about the importance of being a “detached” observer for a day or two. Become like a quiet shadow beside your parent. Envision yourself as a caring friend. Watch how your parent moves, what they struggle with, what makes them happy, how they interact with their friends and the outside world. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed or disturbed by what you see. By all means, do NOT jump into solution-mode. I love this quote by James Thurber, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” This is what we need to do as we seek to understand our aging parents.
  • Reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. Now that you have listened and observed, you will need to reach out and learn about options and resources. I always suggest contacting your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging. Every part of the country is covered by one of these agencies, funded by the federal government. They offer a hotline staffed by trained elder advisors. They maintain a comprehensive listing of community resources, and most now have a geriatric care manager on staff. No matter where you or your parent are in the country, you can go to their website and plug in a zip code to get the contact information for your Area Agency on Aging. Simply explain your parent’s need(s) and ask for assistance.
  • Reach out to a geriatric care manager. So, you’ve tried the listening and the observing. And, you reached out to your Area Agency on Aging and gathered resources and options. But, your parent will still not consider accepting help. Then it is time to have a professional step in and assist. Senior helpers of Little Egg Harbor has a quality geriatric care manager on staff . This professional usually has a background as a social worker or nurse. Such individuals have the experience and sensitivity to meet with your parent in their home and do a holistic assessment (of your parent, their living environment, their support structure) and then make recommendations. They are trained to know that each elderly person and each family are unique in their needs and wishes. They will be able to frame their recommendations in a way that will help your aging parent understand it is in their best interest.
I hope this advise helps you get “unstuck” with your aging parents. Step back, reflect on your parent’s values and wishes, and then reach out for professional help.
I would love to hear your insight and ideas on how to reach out to aging parents who refuse help. What has worked or not worked in your family?
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com


How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help


THE BEST ELDER CARE AND IN HOME CARE IN LITTLE EGG HARBOR NEW JERSEY OFFERS ADVICE ON HOW TO HELP AN AGING PARENT WHO REFUSES HELP



How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help

During My frequent visits to my patients in southern ocean county New Jersey I get a chance to hear what is on the minds and hearts of adult children, the challenges that are the toughest for them to deal with. One question I hear over and over goes something like this, “We see our parents struggling with their living situation, and we have tried every way possible to talk with them about it, but they refuse to accept help in their home. What can we do?”
Before I offer up some suggestions, I want to take a step back and explore the situation from your parents’ perspective.
  • On a high level, the mention of services brought into the home can make your parent think, “This is the first step to losing my independence. If this happens, what’s next?” Whether they consciously or unconsciously have this thought, they will want to fiercely grab on to the life they know and resist any change.
  • Your parent may treasure their privacy, so even the mention of bringing a home aide or visiting nurse into their home, may be unsettling.
  • Your parent may be financially conservative, wanting to be frugal and responsible. They’ve lived through the Great Depression. They see their health care costs rising, and the instability of world economy.
So, with those thoughts in mind, how can we approach the conversation in a more empathetic way? At Senior Helpers of Little Egg Harbor NJ , we strive to listen empathetically , because
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have 
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
  • Begin by listening to your parent. Have a relaxed conversation away from your homes, perhaps in a park or some other peaceful setting. You’ll be amazed at how this can break the cycle of a “stuck” conversation. Ask a big question like, “Mom, what has been the most difficult part of aging for you?” She’ll have to dig deep to answer that, and you’ll learn about her values, wishes and goals. And, you will then be able to find common ground and build trust as you work together in the future, in finding the right option for your parent.
  • Observe. I share in my book and presentations about the importance of being a “detached” observer for a day or two. Become like a quiet shadow beside your parent. Envision yourself as a caring friend. Watch how your parent moves, what they struggle with, what makes them happy, how they interact with their friends and the outside world. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed or disturbed by what you see. By all means, do NOT jump into solution-mode. I love this quote by James Thurber, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” This is what we need to do as we seek to understand our aging parents.
  • Reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. Now that you have listened and observed, you will need to reach out and learn about options and resources. I always suggest contacting your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging. Every part of the country is covered by one of these agencies, funded by the federal government. They offer a hotline staffed by trained elder advisors. They maintain a comprehensive listing of community resources, and most now have a geriatric care manager on staff. No matter where you or your parent are in the country, you can go to their website and plug in a zip code to get the contact information for your Area Agency on Aging. Simply explain your parent’s need(s) and ask for assistance.
  • Reach out to a geriatric care manager. So, you’ve tried the listening and the observing. And, you reached out to your Area Agency on Aging and gathered resources and options. But, your parent will still not consider accepting help. Then it is time to have a professional step in and assist. Senior helpers of Little Egg Harbor has a quality geriatric care manager on staff . This professional usually has a background as a social worker or nurse. Such individuals have the experience and sensitivity to meet with your parent in their home and do a holistic assessment (of your parent, their living environment, their support structure) and then make recommendations. They are trained to know that each elderly person and each family are unique in their needs and wishes. They will be able to frame their recommendations in a way that will help your aging parent understand it is in their best interest.
I hope this advise helps you get “unstuck” with your aging parents. Step back, reflect on your parent’s values and wishes, and then reach out for professional help.
I would love to hear your insight and ideas on how to reach out to aging parents who refuse help. What has worked or not worked in your family?
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Senior Helpers of Moorestown Nj talks about Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss


 Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss

As we get older, we tend to get more forgetful. This is part of the aging process and there’s not a lot we can do about it. For this reason, some memory loss among elderly persons is usually not cause for alarm. However, there are cases when chronic forgetfulness can progress into full blown dementia or Alzheimer’s. So if you believe that you or an elderly loved one might be suffering from a severe form of memory loss, it’s important to get some help right away.
Here are 4 symptoms to look for that may be signs of severe memory loss:
  1. Forgetting dates
Forgetting a couple dates here and there may not be too big a deal, but if there is a recurring pattern of forgetting important dates, forgetting to show up at work, or forgetting to show up at planned social events, this could be a sign of trouble. If this type of memory loss is occurring, keep a close eye on it and if it gets any worse, get help right away.
  1. Forgetting where they are
This is a potentially dangerous trend if it’s happening with an aging family member. Losing your direction in an unfamiliar place is common, but if you see them forgetting where they are in places they’ve known for a long time like just a couple blocks from their house, get help before something bad happens.
  1. Losing Things
Everyone misplaces their car keys or wallet from time to time, but those suffering from severe memory loss do this on a regular basis-to the point where it becomes difficult for them to function during their daily life without someone else keeping track of their things. Watch out for your loved one commonly misplacing important items. This may be another sign of trouble.
  1. Pulling back from normal living
This is the natural progression of someone suffering from severe memory loss like dementia or Alzheimer’s-pulling back from work and/or social activities and essentially withdrawing from their network of family and friends. This is usually done out of fear that others will discover their failing memory. When confronting them on this issue, make sure to always be compassionate and empathize with what they’re going through.