Author: Joel Denney

Since the middle stages of dementia have set in, you’ve noticed your mom’s not doing as well as she used to in terms of hygiene and grooming. As much as you try to help her, your mom rebuffs your assistance, and certainly won’t let you be the one to help her with more intimate tasks like bathing and oral care. Personal care at home services are a good solution.

Proper Clothing Choices Protect Your Health

As dementia increases, the ability to properly choose clothing is tough. Your mom can’t understand what the weather forecast means or how to dress appropriately. You find she starts to wear heavy sweaters and jeans on the hottest days of summer. But, she tries to go outside without a hat, gloves, and heavy coat in the winter.

Personal care at home aides help your mom choose the clothing that matches the weather. She’ll no longer be dressed so that she’s overheating or risking hypothermia if she heads outside.

Your Mom Avoids Pain and Infections With Proper Skin Care Routines

Skin rashes and infections are both possible if your mom is unable to properly care for her skin. This includes washing her skin in a shower, rinsing off all of the soap and residue, and drying off after. She needs to apply moisturizer to protect her skin from drying out and cracking, which increases the risk of developing an infection.

If your mom experiences incontinence, irritation from exposure to urine is possible. After an accident, she should clean up, change her clothing and incontinence pad if needed, and apply a barrier cream. A caregiver can help her do this, as she isn’t going to be able to do it on her own.

Tooth and Gum Care Prevents Infection and Inflammation

As tempting as it is to just stop fighting your mom when it comes to brushing and flossing her teeth, it can lead to painful infections. Gum disease can lead to infections that impact the jawbone and loosened teeth. It makes it hard to eat any foods that need to be chewed.

It can also cause tooth decay which leads to the need for a root canal and crown placement. It’s very unlikely your mom will sit still for this type of procedure, and the care needs following tooth extraction are also concerning.

Arrange personal care at home services that support your mom’s needs in the latter stages of dementia. She’s going to need help with all aspects of grooming and hygiene, including showers, skin care, oral care, dressing, and everything else that she used to do.

Talk to your mom’s doctors about her progression and what you should be expecting in the future. After that conversation, arrange personal care at home to ensure her grooming and hygiene needs are covered.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Edina, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density, making bones weak and more prone to fractures. It is a common condition among seniors, especially women. In-home care can benefit seniors with osteoporosis, helping them maintain their independence. Here are some tips on how to care for a senior with osteoporosis:

Ensure a Safe Home Environment

Seniors with osteoporosis are at risk of falls and fractures, so it is crucial to make sure their home environment is safe. Remove any trip hazards, such as throwing rugs or clutter, and install handrails in areas where the senior may need support, such as in the bathroom or on stairs.

Give Them a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining bone health. Encourage the senior to eat foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish. If necessary, talk to a doctor or nutritionist about supplements.

Encourage Exercise

Exercise is important for maintaining bone density and strength. Encourage the senior to engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or tai chi. Talk to a doctor or physical therapist about a safe exercise program if necessary.

Monitor Medications

Medications may be prescribed to help manage osteoporosis but can also have side effects. Ensure the seniors take their medicines as prescribed and monitor for any adverse effects.

Provide Emotional Support

Osteoporosis can be difficult to live with, and seniors may feel anxious or depressed. Provide emotional support by listening to their concerns, offering encouragement, and engaging in enjoyable activities together.

Schedule Regular Doctor Appointments

Regular checkups with a doctor are essential for monitoring the senior’s condition and adjusting treatment as necessary. Encourage seniors to attend all appointments and ask questions about their condition and treatment.

In-Home Care for Seniors with Osteoporosis

The following are ways in which in-home care can help seniors with osteoporosis:

Assist with Mobility

Seniors with osteoporosis may have difficulty getting around due to the risk of falls and fractures. In-home caregivers can assist with mobility, helping seniors move around the house safely.

Assist with Daily Activities

In-home caregivers can assist with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. This can help seniors maintain their independence.

Medication Management

Seniors with osteoporosis may need to take medication to help manage their condition. In-home caregivers can provide medication reminders, ensuring seniors take their medicines as prescribed.

Meal Preparation

Seniors with osteoporosis may need a special diet to help maintain bone health. In-home caregivers can prepare nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of seniors with osteoporosis.

Companionship

Seniors with osteoporosis may feel isolated and lonely, especially if they cannot leave the house due to mobility issues. In-home caregivers can provide companionship, engaging seniors in conversation and activities to help improve their mental health and well-being.

Fall Prevention

In-home caregivers can help prevent falls by ensuring the home is free from hazards and assisting with mobility.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685234/

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in St. Louis Park, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

You haven’t been on vacation in years. The pandemic delayed your plans, but you finally have the chance to get away, only your dad relies on you and can’t or won’t go. How do you take a vacation when your dad can’t be alone? Have you looked into the value of 24-hour home care?

Overnight care is a great way to make sure your dad has supportive care at all hours of the day and night. Here’s what 24-hour home care aides can do to help out.

Assistance With Medication Schedules

One of the things you do each day is remind your dad when he needs to take his prescription pill. He has a variety of them and they’re vital to his health. Some are taken with a meal, some have to be taken on an empty stomach. Some of his pills are taken once a day, others are two or three times per day.

He cannot keep track of it all, so you help him keep track. While you’re away, his team of caregivers will remind him when it’s time to take another pill.

Preparation of All Meals and Snacks

Your dad’s meals and snacks are prepared when he’s ready for them. If he is an early riser and likes breakfast at 5 a.m., his overnight caregiver will have it ready before the morning caregiver arrives.

With caregivers working in shifts all day and night, your dad always has someone with him to get a meal, snack, or beverage and clean up the kitchen and wash dishes after. He won’t go hungry, have to eat frozen meals that he can microwave, or order takeout the entire time you’re away.

He Has a Driver

Your dad has a range of appointments each week with his doctor, therapists, etc. He also goes to church, volunteers, or attends social events at the area senior center. He doesn’t want to miss out until you return.

If he needs groceries, his caregiver can take him shopping. If he loves to walk on the riverfront trails, he won’t have to give that up until you return. His caregiver can drive him and then join him on the walk.

With caregivers there all day, he has someone to drive him to the different appointments. He won’t have to wait for you to return. He can keep doing the things he needs or enjoys while you’re away.

Before you book your hotel, make sure you have 24-hour home care arranged. Once you have caregiver services firmed up and have exact dates, book your vacation. You’ll be able to take the break you need without worrying about your dad’s care needs going ignored. Call a 24-hour home care agency to get started.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Minnetonka, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

Senior home care offers seniors a variety of advantages, including enabling them to age in place, receive personalized care, receive necessary companionship, and maintain their independence. This type of care can be the ideal choice for families who want to offer their aging adults support without the fear of having to move and leave their current lifestyle behind.

Assistance with Aging in Place

One of the primary benefits of senior home care is the ability for seniors to age in place. This means that seniors can continue living in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar belongings and cherished memories. Aging in place can contribute to seniors’ overall well-being, as it allows them to maintain a sense of continuity, familiarity, and connection to their communities.

Personalized Care

Home care provides seniors with personalized care tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Caregivers work with seniors and their families to develop customized care plans that address the specific support required, from assistance with daily activities to more specialized care for those with chronic health conditions or cognitive impairments. This personalized approach ensures that seniors receive the appropriate level of care while respecting their individuality and promoting dignity.

Independence and Autonomy

Senior home care providers enable seniors to maintain their independence and autonomy by providing just the right support for daily activities, such as meal preparation, bathing, and light housekeeping. This assistance allows seniors to continue living independently, while still receiving the help they need to manage their daily routines safely and effectively. Elder care providers can also offer seniors guidance and support in adapting their homes and lifestyles to better accommodate their changing needs, further promoting independence and well-being.

Family Involvement

Home care services often allow for greater family involvement in the care process, as family caregivers can participate in the development and implementation of care plans. This involvement can provide families with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are receiving the support they need while remaining in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. Additionally, home care services can provide respite for family caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge while knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.

Cost-Effectiveness

Home care can be a more cost-effective option compared to other senior care alternatives, such as assisted living or nursing homes. As these services can be tailored to the specific needs of each senior, families can choose the level of support that best aligns with their loved ones’ requirements and financial resources. In many cases, home care services can be significantly more affordable for families than the costs associated with long-term care facilities, making it an attractive option for seniors and their families.

Senior home care offers numerous benefits for seniors, including the ability to age in place, receive personalized care, and maintain independence. Additionally, home care can be a more attractive option compared to assisted living or nursing homes, providing seniors with the support they need without the financial burden associated with long-term care facilities.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Eagan, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

When your senior is older, you may begin to worry about their progressive decline. The truth is your loved one can have a fulfilling life in their elderly age, but they could unknowingly do some things to age themselves faster. If your senior doesn’t know how to stick to a routine or a healthy lifestyle, this is a chance to hire in-home care, which can help them age gracefully in place. Here are some things your loved one might be doing to cause them to feel older and age themselves faster.

They Keep Smoking

You have heard it once, but it’s time to hear it again. Smoking is bad for your health and will not help you live longer. It will age you faster and harm your body. Smoking impacts your seniors respiratory system and accelerates the aging process by reducing the amount of oxygen that goes to the cells inside your body. If your senior needs help quitting this addictive habit, it’s time to talk to a doctor and rely on in-home care to help your senior fill up their days without thinking about smoking.

Never Wearing SPF

Here is the thing, even if your senior covers up every inch of skin, they are still exposed to the sun’s rays. Senior skin can be sensitive and may burn easier than when they were younger, which can also lead to cancer. The sun may also lead to more wrinkles, and SPF can help stop both of these things. If your senior wants to have nice and healthy skin until they die, they should be covering up with SPF. If they have a hard time with this, it’s something that many in-home care providers would be willing to help with if you find the right one.

Not Sleeping Enough

Even if your loved one’s sleeping habits change, they still need to sleep as many hours as everyone else. They need to get a good night of sleep, and poor sleeping habits can lead to chronic fatigue, which can lead to making them feel older than they actually are. Creating a healthy sleeping routine can take time, but it’s something important to invest in.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration is important no matter what age someone is. When your senior is dehydrated, they may feel sick, tired, and irritable. Long-term dehydration can cause a senior to feel way older than they are, and unfortunately, many seniors forget to drink water throughout the day. In-home care can help by providing glasses of water throughout the day and making sure there are bottles within reach while a senior is doing an activity.

Not Exercising Enough

Even if your loved one is dealing with inflammation, it’s important to manage it by finding low-impact physical activities. When a senior stops moving, it will impact their bodies and make them feel older and less independent. However, it’s crucial for someone to keep moving even when they don’t feel like it, so having a routine is essential, especially when it comes to workouts.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Maple Grove, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

The first day of May is often a time when people in every state are starting to see sunny, warm weather. People get back outside after dreary winter weather and a slow, or sometimes quick, start to spring. Gardening, yard work, and time spent on the patio or deck are favorite pastimes.

Your dad may spend too much time in the sun as he spends time outside in his garden, patio, or deck, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Melanoma Monday is a day for raising awareness of the risk of skin cancer and the importance of protecting your skin from the sun.

Apply Sunscreen Every Two Hours

Your dad needs to apply sunscreen every two hours. When choosing a sunscreen, he needs one that is a broad-spectrum product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of 35 or higher is ideal.

When he sweats or comes out of the water, he needs to reapply the sunscreen, even if it hasn’t been two hours. Make sure he applies sunscreen to his eyelids, the bridge of the nose, ears, the tops of the feet, and the back of the neck.

Invest in Sunscreen Clothing

Some people hate the feel of sunscreen. If your dad is like that, he still needs to protect his skin. He cannot just go without and hope for the best.

Several clothing brands make sunscreen clothing that offers an SPF of 50 or higher. The clothing is lightweight and airy, but it provides the sun protection he needs.

Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Your dad has to protect his face from the sun, and a wide-brimmed hat is good for that. Have him pick his favorite style and measure his head to ensure you get the right size.

Use Sunglasses

Finally, make sure your dad has sunglasses that protect his eyes from UVA and UVB rays. The larger the lenses, the more protection he has for his eyes and eyelids. Purchase a few pairs so that he can keep one pair in the car and have a couple of pairs inside the home.

Sit in the Shade

As much as your dad can, have him sit in the shade. A patio umbrella is helpful. A shade tree is also helpful in blocking the sun and providing a shady spot to sit and read or relax.

When your dad has companion care at home, he has a caregiver to keep him company, help him keep his home clean and organized, and assist him with meals. He has a caregiver to take him shopping, help him run errands, and join him on walks outside in the sun.

Companion care at home helps your dad maintain his independence without struggling with the harder daily tasks. Talk to an advisor to learn more about companion care services.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

Your mom fell and needed hip surgery. While she’s recovered, she still has to use a cane when she’s walking around. For that reason, she’s hesitant to go outside and do many of her favorite activities. How do you keep her active and get her to embrace her old routines? Here are a few ideas for how you and in-home care providers can work together to keep your mom active.

Find Hobbies She Enjoys

Does your mom have hobbies? Whether she does or doesn’t, it’s a good time to explore them. She loves photography, so use that to get her up and active. She likes to paint. Go to a park with her supplies and have her paint the scenery.

If she doesn’t have hobbies, it’s time to see if there are things that interest her. She might discover she loves gardening and making customized flower arrangements. Birdwatching is a good hobby if she has to take breaks every now and then when walking on a trail.

Heighten Safety Around Her Home

Go around your mom’s house and yard to heighten safety. Look for trip hazards outside. Uneven or loose patio bricks need to be secured. Loose deck rails need tightening. Potholes in a driveway or sidewalk need to be filled.

Check her lighting and ensure that it illuminates the entire area and doesn’t leave dim areas. Downed tree branches and wasps and hornets’ nests on eaves, under decking, or in shrubs are also things to check for.

Do the same things inside her home. Make sure the lighting illuminates the entire staircase and landing. Look for loose railings, carpeting, and tile flooring. If she has hardwood flooring, make sure it’s not cracked and splintering. Install grab bars in the bathtub or shower.

Help Her Regain Her Confidence

Make sure your mom has the encouragement she needs to stay active. If she’s doubting herself at all, she may lose the confidence to try something different. Help her regain her confidence by making sure she’s never alone.

Sometimes, it helps to have someone with her. She loves to take walks on the neighborhood trails, but she’s too nervous now. If someone is with her, she’s eager to walk. Do whatever it takes to help her gain the confidence she’s lost.

In-home care is a great asset to your mom’s care team. While you are there to help her out as much as you can, you have a job and children who also need you. Your visits with your mom are limited to weekends or after work. It’s hard providing all that your mom needs in quick visits.

Arrange to have home care aides assisting your mom on her walks, when working in her garden, or on grocery shopping days. Caregivers help her maintain her independence while staying safe and social. Call a home care agency to learn more and make the appropriate arrangements.

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Burnsville, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

Seniors that are aging in place need to be prepared for any type of emergency. Unfortunately, emergencies happen every day and there’s really no way to prevent them. But seniors can be ready for emergencies so that they aren’t left in a bad position when something breaks, a storm hits, or they have a fall. Seniors and their families should have an ongoing dialog about safety plans, how to handle emergencies, and what emergency supplies seniors need to make sure that they are equipped for emergencies when they occur. Some of the best things that seniors can do to prepare for emergencies are:

Rely on 24-Home Care

24- hour home care is a great way for seniors to be prepared for emergencies. When seniors have 24-hour home care they are never alone, which means they will never have to deal with an emergency situation alone. If there is a fire in the house, or a severe storm that knocks off part of the roof, or the electricity goes out for days, or if seniors have a medical emergency or they fall seniors who have 24-hour home care will have someone that can help them deal with any emergency. 24-hour home care gives seniors and their families peace of mind.

Create An Emergency Room

It’s a smart idea for seniors to dedicate a room to being an emergency spot. This should be an interior room with no windows where they can take shelter if there is tornado or severe storm. A basement is great, but not all homes have basements. In homes that don’t have basements an interior room like a pantry, laundry room, or downstairs bathroom can do the job. Seniors should store food and water, a bag of clothes, a coat, blankets, and other emergency supplies in there so that in the event of an emergency they could survive on the things in that room.

Get Copies Of All Important Documents

If there is an emergency like a fire or a storm seniors could lose their important documents. That’s why seniors should get copies of things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, Social Security cards, ID cards, financial papers, insurance papers, medical records and other documents and store those in a fire proof box in their emergency room. It’s also a good idea to send copies to a child or other family member so that seniors have access to other copies if they need to leave their home.

Don’t Forget The Pets

Seniors who have pets can’t forget about the safety and well-being of the pets. In the emergency room seniors should put pet food, water, water bowls, leashes and harnesses, and carriers or crates for all the pets. A pet stroller is a fantastic thing to have to move pets quickly and safely. An extra large stroller can move multiple pets and keep them safe during the aftermath of an emergency. And it’s much easier to get a frightened pet into a stroller than it is to get them into a small carrier.

Reference:
https://www.ready.gov/

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Woodbury, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

As seniors age, there are more challenges facing them than ever before. Aging in place may even feel impossible at times. But with the right help in place from family caregivers and senior home care providers, seniors can take some advice that helps them to be as positive and engaged in life as they can be. All of that can help to boost morale and keep seniors feeling their best.

Exercise and Stay as Active as Possible

Exercise is something that benefits seniors physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Moving more helps to release endorphins, which assist with boosting moods. Exercise can also help seniors to sleep better, feel more energetic, and maintain strength. Seniors who are less physically active than they used to be may find that aging becomes more difficult much more quickly.

Eat Healthy Meals Regularly

Part of keeping a senior positive and engaged with their life means ensuring that their body is fueled properly. What a healthy diet entails can feel impossible for some seniors, especially if they’re not up for cooking, meal planning, and shopping for those foods. Elder care providers can take care of a lot of those tasks for seniors, making it much easier for them to eat meals that support their health needs.

Get Quality Sleep

Sleep does a lot for the body and the brain. When someone isn’t getting enough sleep or is getting poor quality sleep, they’re more likely to experience difficulties with health issues. They’re also more likely to have trouble regulating their moods and generally enjoying life. Finding solutions that help to improve sleep quality is essential.

Maintain Connections with Others

Social interaction is another area that seniors might want to pay extra attention to. Even people who are introverted do need a certain amount of interaction with other people in order to remain healthy. Spending time with family members, friends, and even senior home care providers are great ways to continue to socialize.

Embrace Old and New Interests

Older adults who aren’t actively engaging with hobbies and interests can quickly find themselves becoming bored a lot more often. Embracing both old and new interests opens up so many opportunities to learn new things and to find new things that are fascinating and that they can look forward to each day.

Stay on Top of Health Issues

Focusing on health is something else that seniors have to make sure they’re doing. Attending regular check-ups and following their doctors’ recommendations can be the key to feeling better both physically and emotionally. Senior home care providers can help aging adults to remember their appointments and even assist with transportation if necessary.

Aging brings with it a lot of opportunities for some really big changes that seniors might have been anticipating, like retiring and being more available to family and friends. But there can be pitfalls, too, and staying both positive and engaged in life can help to avoid those. Leaning on help from senior home care providers can make all of this a lot easier.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Minneapolis, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

The American Heart Association established National Walking Day to get people to see the value of being active. April 5th is National Walking Day in 2023. It’s time to get your dad out of the house. With the help of a home care provider, walking regularly can become part of your dad’s daily routine. Here are some fun walks to take together throughout the spring and summer.

Visit a Zoo

Is there a zoo or animal sanctuary in your area? They’re a family-friendly environment you and your dad can explore together. Bring a camera and check out the animals. You might be able to arrange a meet and greet with some of the animals, too.

Explore an Easy Mountain Trail

Visit a state forest and find out which trails are designed for beginners. Your family is out in the fresh air and sun and can look for wildlife and birds while walking. Bring a picnic if possible and have lunch outside in nature while you de-stress.

Go To a Pedestrian Mall

Head to the city and explore a pedestrian mall for an afternoon. These vehicle-free stretches are usually brick, stone, pavement, or concrete, which makes them suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

While you’re out shopping and walking around, you can treat your dad to a coffee and snack or get lunch together. You’ll have a great day together and take care of errands at the same time.

If there are no pedestrian malls, an indoor mall will do. Try to walk at a reasonable pace to ensure the blood starts pumping.

Find a Bike Path or Recreational Trail

Most cities have one or more bike paths or recreational trails. Pedestrians can use bike paths, too, but follow the rules and stay to the side so that cyclists can go past without a hassle. If they know the common courtesy rules, they will speak up as they approach you so that you know they’re there.

The benefit of walking on a recreational trail is that they’re usually paved and clear of obstacles like potholes and tree roots. That makes this trail a great choice for your dad if he needs a cane or walking stick.

Ideas When You’re Stuck Inside

If it’s rainy in your dad’s area, set up a treadmill near a TV. Put on a walking tour of a city he’s always wanted to explore. He can walk on the treadmill while taking a visual tour of a foreign city, a tropical island trail, or a city in another state.

What If You Have Other Commitments?

When you’re busy at work or caring for your kids, who helps your dad? Instead of leaving him aloew3rne, hire home care aides to help out. He’ll have someone to accompany him on walks, help him with housework, and offer the reminders he needs to take care of himself. A home care advisor can help you get started.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Eden Prairie, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.