Author: A Place At Home

5 Easy Ways to Manage Your Parents Medication

When you have an older parent or relative who lives (or spends time) alone, medication management can be a big worry. You are likely concerned that your loved one takes their medication as scheduled, in the correct amount, and without accidentally taking a double dose. You may also worry that prescriptions are not being refilled. Here are some expert senior care tips to help banish your medication concerns as a caregiver.

Medication Management Tips for Seniors

Make a list: Note dosage, time to be taken, whether food is required or empty stomach, and the purpose of the medication. Put in a central location (on the fridge, for example) for reference by you, other caregivers and your elderly loved one. Also list vitamins and supplements below the main list. (Supplements can interact with Rx medications, so make sure the doctor has ok’d all supplements.)
Use one pharmacy: This way, you can avoid any double-fills and order all refills conveniently from the same store. Also, the pharmacist may proactively notify you of any potential drug interactions if she/he fills all of your prescriptions. Don’t depend upon that, however. Always ask questions about any medication issue, or call the doctor. Grab the master list (see above) and take with you to the pharmacy and doctor appointments, so experts can double check appropriateness and drug interactions.
Get a daily pillbox: This helps your senior to recall whether they’ve already taken their meds for the day. Make sure the box can be easily opened by your senior, but not so easily that all the pills end up on the floor. Keep pill bottles.
Be sure meds are properly stored: Bathrooms can be humid–and medications often require a cool, dry storage spot or even refrigeration. Store away from children and pets, if any.
Double check if refills look different: Your pharmacy may simply be using a different manufacturer (for generics), but there’s a chance the prescription may have been filled with the wrong dosage or medication.

Get Help with Medication Management in Omaha

As a full service senior care organization, A Place at Home has RNs on staff, who can manage your parent’s medications. If you need additional assistance with other senior wellbeing concerns, we can design a program of elder care services to fit your needs. For expert advice and compassionate assistance with senior care issues, including medication management, contact A Place at Home today.

Senior Living Alternatives

When it comes time for the next place to call home.

It happens. At some point, you realize it is time to move out of your home. This move can be due to health, finances, or simply because it feels like the right time. Finding the right community that suits your needs can be a confusing and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be.

A Place at Home’s Senior Living Alternatives program is a free, personalized service that helps seniors and families identify the senior care community that fits their needs – whether it’s independent, assisted, memory, or long term care.

We’ve already done the legwork.

Our Senior Living advisors are experts when it comes to identifying a senior living community in our service area that works for you. We’ve not only visited and placed our clients in these communities, but many of our Caregivers already provide services at these locations.

With a thorough understanding of the amenities, costs, available care services, activities and layout and design at each community, our advisors can easily narrow down the options based on your criteria and arrange for private tours so that you can feel empowered to make the right decisions.

Knowing that you or your senior have a trusted advocate makes transitions much easier.

5 Different Exercises that can Prevent Falls

Falls are the biggest source of fatal injury for seniors. There is one death approximately every 20 minutes according to the NCOA (National Council on Aging). Tragically, even falls that are survived could limit the senior’s independence for the remainder of their life. Seniors may have weakened muscles, stiff joints and/or delayed reaction time, which could make falls more likely.

Older people may also experience medication side effects, vision problems and/or hearing loss (which affect balance), or other impairments that make them vulnerable to falls. In fact, many seniors limit their activities for fear of falling, which can bring on depression. Despite these challenges–gentle, regular exercise can help seniors avoid dangerous falls by improving strength and balance.

Fall Prevention Exercises for Seniors

Ask your older loved one, or seniors in your care, to try these exercises so they can remain steady on their feet.

Weight Shifter

Stand with feet hip-distance apart, weight distributed equally.
Shift weight to the right foot, and lift the left foot slightly.
Hold as long as possible.
Now, shift to left and lift right foot.
As this gets easier, over time, increase length of hold and/or number of repetitions.

Sideways Walk

Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent.
Step to the right with right foot.
Move left foot to join it.
Then back the other way.

One Leg Balance

Stand with feet hip-distance apart, hands on hips.
Lift the right leg and bend at the knee.
Hold up to 30 seconds.
Repeat on the left side.
When this gets easy, add some complexity and unpredictability–stand on a pillow while doing the exercise.

Tightrope Walk

Hold arms straight out to the sides (parallel to floor) and
Walk in a straight line–heel to toe.
Pause for one second when lifting the back leg to take the next step.
Take 15 – 20 steps.
Keep your eyes on a spot in front to maintain balance.

Grape Vine

Stand, feet together.
Cross your right foot over (in front of) the left.
Uncross, by bringing your left foot back next to the right (starting position).

Over time, these exercises should give your senior confidence and improved balance–and increase your peace of mind. (Get doctor’s permission before starting fall prevention exercises.)

A Place At Home provides top quality in-home senior care and related services in Greater Omaha. Contact us to learn more.

Five Senior Fall Prevention Tips

At least one-fourth of people above the age of 65 fall every year. Most of these falls occur at homes and are primarily as a result of hazards around the house, reduced strength and reduced reaction time that comes with aging.

At A Place at Home, we have a team of professionals who help you prevent these falls. These tips ensure seniors are safe, independent and also help them avoid the health complications that may come with the falls. Below are five tested and proven tips that help to prevent falls in seniors’ homes.

Hygiene Inspection

This entails keeping the house clutter-free and transferring benches, chairs or anything else from hallways and the stairs. It may also be clearing the house of any tripping hazards such as uneven floors, throw rugs and electrical cords and wires. Switching patterned or striped rags to the ones with solid colors improve depth perception hence aiding fall prevention.

Slip-Proofing the House

We highly recommend that homes be slip-proofed to minimize the risks of falling. This takes into account; keeping floors dry, repairing cracks, ensuring seniors shoes are light to maintain balance and help them feel where they step so they can react better to hazardous situations. Slip-proofing the bathrooms using slip-resistant mats, shower, and tub benches are is also very important.

Installation of Assistive Devices

These can be used to help seniors maintain their balance and independence as they move around the house. Handrails, electric beds, non-slip stairs as well as shower seats are great assistants to seniors. Electric beds are great as they make getting in and out of bed more comfortable and maintain a lower sleeping position.

Review of Medication Side Effects

By understanding the risks posed by some medications, we can help seniors prepare better and avoid falling in their homes. Apart from medication side effects, we advise eye check-ups that will tell of an impending vision problem that may increase the chances of falling.

Reorganizing the House

We suggest rearranging the house to ensure that our clients have all they need at proximity. Moving their bedrooms from the upper level to the main floor is an effective way of preventing a senior from falling on the stairs.

At A Place at Home, we recommend the above tips to aid fall prevention among seniors. Good lighting around the home, and staying active to improve muscle tone and strength are also very useful.

Decide Which Memory Care Facility Best Suits Your Loved One

If your loved one is experiencing memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you may need assistance in caring for him or her. Deciding which type of memory care community best suits your loved one is an important decision, and there are many factors to consider.

The following explains the differences between various types of senior living communities as well as types of care so you can make the best possible decision for your loved one:

Philosophies

Montessori-based

Montessori memory care programs aim to help people with dementia connect with a community and contribute to the best of their ability. Tasks such as giving a patient a basket of clean towels to fold or providing a safe cooking environment can provide enjoyment as well as a sense of accomplishment that can help improve their quality of life.

Hearthstone programs

Hearthstone’s philosophy is based on the belief that people who have dementia can still experience a high quality of life through care and activity programs that are uniquely designed for them. Programs offered are residential care, short-term care after injuries or when caregivers need a break, or a day visitor program.

Options for care

Private settings

In some cases, family choose to care for their loved one at home, but they’ll need support from caregivers or short-term care from time to time.

Residential care

These options used to be called licensed boarding homes, and they often house 5 to 25 residents. If this option is available, it needs to be able to provide the level of care that memory care patients need.

Specialized care centers

These centers help memory-impaired seniors with all the activities of daily living, activities, and supportive services.

If you need help in deciding which memory care community would be best for your loved one, contact A Place At Home Omaha today. Our Senior Living Alternatives program is a FREE, personalized service that will help you and your loved one identify the community that best fits his or her needs.

Caring – Top Prerequisites For Working in Senior Care

People who trust their loved one to A Place At Home senior care in Omaha can expect competent and compassionate care at all times. For individuals who are seeking Omaha caregiver jobs, you’ll find our positions very rewarding. That’s because we only hire dedicated, qualified caregivers–those who have a sincere passion for helping others. If you’re interested in caregiver jobs here in the Omaha area, look at our requirements to see if your personal values match. If so, you’ll be an excellent candidate for our caregiver jobs!

Why Seniors (and Caregivers) Trust A Place at Home Senior Care

We look for the following crucial traits in potential new-hire senior caregivers:

Authentic concern for other human beings: Our caregivers embrace diversity, caring for all people, especially seniors in their care, and celebrating their unique differences.
Supportive and encouraging attitude: Senior caregivers are perceptive and empathetic. They’re good listeners, willing to help each senior individual where needed, and willing to step back–to allow seniors the independence they’re capable of–and even help them increase their abilities.
Absolute dependability: Seniors needing care can rely upon our caregivers to arrive promptly on time, and to complete their supportive tasks meticulously. Since we help elderly people with crucial daily tasks like grooming and taking medicines, we take our responsibility seriously.
Calm, well-prepared and responsible: Our caregivers are ready for the unexpected. They realize every day will be different and are able to react when a change of plan is required to properly care for the elderly individual. If an emergency occurs –or if the senior simply wants to do something not on the typical schedule, such as go see a friend, our caregivers respond properly. Caregivers handle each situation to protect the senior’s physical/emotional health and well being.
Pleasantness and cheery demeanor: We strive to be a positive force in our seniors’ lives.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that our in-home caregivers make us great. Our careful hiring practices and high standards ensure that seniors receive compassionate, reliable assistance with the activities of daily life. Our senior support services are planned around elderly individuals’ specific needs–and designed to maintain their dignity and independence. A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Inquire about Omaha caregiver jobs here.

Depression in the Elderly: 9 Ways to Help

Elderly depression can become a serious issue during the holiday season, yet this is a busy time. You may have fewer opportunities to visit your senior loved ones personally. During the holidays, older relatives with limited mobility may feel especially “blue”, sad or lonely. Happily, there are many things you can do to help the older people in your life to avoid elderly depression during the holidays or anytime.

Invite your relative out, plan regular group outings or visits: Seeing others and staying active helps fight depression. Take seniors to a reading group, movies, the local senior center and encourage crafts or similar interests. This provides social and mental stimulation, and something to look forward to.
Consider Tai Chi: Tai chi is a gentle, graceful form of exercise many seniors may enjoy. This exercise can help with coordination, balance and agility and it’s often done in a group.
Give an inscribed photo and wallet: Carrying photos of loved ones can help stave off elderly depression. Giving these items can help get the senior into the habit.
Ensure they eat healthy meals. Bad eating habits or lack of eating can make depression worse.
Tell them you care. Talk to your relative and let them know they are important in your life. Never dismiss how they feel or think/say “snap out of it.”
Be sure medications are taken: Remind/help your loved one remember to take necessary meds. Set up a system, like a daily pill holder, so they won’t forget or double dose.
Inform the doctor: If depression seems to hang on, and your relative allows you to talk to their doctor (or accompany them to an appointment), let the doctor know. Consider getting a referral to a mental health professional for individual/group treatment.
Watch signs of suicidal thoughts. Seek immediate professional help if you believe a senior you care about is contemplating suicide.
Take care of yourself as a caregiver: You may need breaks or assistance caring for your senior relative. Be sure to reach out for this help, so you can be there for your loved ones in future.

Companion Care to Prevent Elderly Depression

At A Place at Home, we offer companion care services in the Omaha metropolitan area. We ensure that your senior loved one enjoys visits from a helpful, caring individual familiar with senior care. We can help you with the above anti-depression tips and much more. Contact us today.

“The two different caregivers I’ve had come as often as they can and I like that because I get to work with the same people. If I’m upset, they notice it and they keep me from getting depressed.”

– Tammy A 04/03/18

Current Client

To our Caregivers from the Owners

Dear Caregivers,

We would like to thank our entire team at A Place At Home for your help throughout the past year. It’s been a great year for our company and clients, and we couldn’t have done it without our valued employees.

You’ve made it possible for more seniors to age with respect and dignity in their familiar, comfortable surroundings by providing the personalized help and companionship they need. Many of our clients have contacted us expressing what a difference your CNA jobs have made in their lives, giving them peace of mind and the ability to maintain their independence.

From assisting with personal care to taking care of household chores to helping to coordinate care, you’ve done it all with skill, knowledge, and a friendly smile and attitude. You’ve also given family caregivers much-needed help while maintaining your professionalism and compassion.

Know that we appreciate each and every one of you, and we look forward to 2018 and the continued growth and development of our staff. CNA jobs can be extremely rewarding when you perform them as well as our team does, and we plan to make the new year even better for our employees as well as our clients.

Thank you for your help in making 2017 a fantastic year for our clients and company, and we look forward to an even better 2018!

Sincerely,

Dustin Distefano, Jerod Evanich, and the entire Office Staff

Should My Parents Move to Assisted Living?

When parents are reaching a stage in life when they require more care or assistance with daily living tasks, they and their adult children face some important decisions. There is no perfect time to make a move to an assisted living facility and there are a variety of options in supportive living arrangements for seniors.

Some parents may decide against moving to assisted care living arrangements, and instead schedule in-home care as needed. Either option can work out well for your beloved Omaha senior parent or relative. If your family has reached the time to consider assisted living, keep in mind the following factors to help you make the right decision.

Care Levels Associated with Assisted Living

Typically set up like an apartment complex, each location has its own specific services. In general, you can expect assistance with some or all of these chores or ADLs (activities of daily living):

House cleaning
Meals
Monitoring for resident safety
Toileting and bathing assistance
Dressing assistance
Medication reminders or administration
Transportation
Arranged activities and socialization with other residents
Common areas like TV room, craft room, library, etc.
And more

Financial Requirements for Assisted Living

Monthly costs for assisted living can be concerning for many families. The median cost is over $3,500 per month currently – and some surveys place it higher. Costs generally include: One-time community fee, a basic monthly fee and additional service fees (for cares not included in the monthly fee).

When comparing the options, be sure to understand in detail what services are included, how often, and which services might require an additional fee – or a move to a higher care level. Nebraska does not regulate assisted senior living costs, but don’t let sticker shock delay your decision to take action. If you need assistance researching assisted living facilities in the Omaha area, or help with your decision, A Place at Home can help you.

Need Help With Your Decision About Assisted Living? We Can Help!

A Place at Home is an in-home senior care provider that also assists with transitions into assisted senior living arrangements. Our consultants can connect you with a senior living arrangement that suits your needs or help you consider other options for personalized senior care. We serve seniors and their families throughout the Omaha metropolitan area. Contact us today!

6 Simple Steps for Safe Senior Living

We all want our loved ones to be safe, including our older relatives. That means proper senior care is essential, even when we can’t be with them. For elderly parents or grandparents home alone, common household situations can turn hazardous. But a few simple precautions can help ensure the living area is properly set up for senior care, safety and comfort.

Senior Care Basics: How to Safety Proof Your Home for Seniors

Follow these expert tips to help seniors stay safe at home and make everyday tasks easier:

1. Lather up safely: Place slippery bars of soap inside a nylon stocking. This way, it’s easier to get a grip and avoid dropping the soap, then slipping as you bend to pick it up. Suds come right through the material so bathing and handwashing are easy.
2. Make soft ice packs: Freeze a sliution of 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohli in a zipped freezer bag. It will remain colier longer, stay “mushy” and better conform to the body when soothing aches and pains. Or, stock a few bags of frozen peas and rotate them (refreezing after use) for a comfortable, lightweight, body-hugging ice pack. Label DIY ice packs–so no one eats/drinks them.
3. Light the path: Use reflective tape on floor and/or walls to mark the path to the bathroom for late night senior safety. Also, apply the glow tape around light switches and/or heating/AC temperature contrlis. Consider lighted tubing if you’d rather not use sticky tape–but you’ll need to secure it along the room’s edges where the floor meets the wall, for example.
4. Rough up the deck: Did you know about anti-slip paint? Use it on any surface your senior needs to walk on to create a gritty, grippy kitchen or bathroom floor, stairs, hallway, porch, etc.
5. Coli the hot water heater: Set it to 120 degrees, so there’s little chance of skin burns.
6. Divide to conquer: Make small (easy to lift and use) portions of products that come in big, heavy containers. Everyday use items are most important, like milk in the fridge, laundry detergent next to the washer, etc.

Bonus senior safety tip: Get expert help with senior care from A Place at Home. Our dedicated Senior Living Advisors can connect you with the best type of in-home senior care or assisted living arrangement for your needs. A Place at Home, serves seniors throughout the Omaha area. Call us today!