Eye Care for Seniors: The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Vision is one of the most vital senses, and as your loved one ages, you may notice changes in their eyesight. While some changes are normal to aging, others can indicate more serious issues, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This makes eye care for seniors an essential aspect of their overall health.

Learn more about eye care for seniors, including regular check-ups and diet improvements. These steps can help prevent age-related eye conditions and boost habits that promote optimal eye health.

Routine Eye Exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that individuals 65 and older have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, even if they have no existing vision problems. Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection of conditions that become more prevalent with age, such as cataracts.

Neglecting regular eye exams can have severe consequences. Conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can progress silently, leading to irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. Annual exams can also reveal other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Eye Conditions Prevalent in Seniors

  • Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the central vision and can make daily activities like reading and driving difficult. It is the leading cause of vision loss in seniors, according to the National Eye Institute. Symptoms include central vision blurriness, trouble seeing in low lighting, straight lines that look wavy, or a blurry area or blank spots near the center that get bigger over time.
  • Cataracts: A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, leading to blurry vision. The Mayo Clinic says a cataract usually develops slowly. You might notice your loved one having difficulty seeing at night, being sensitive to light and glares, or needing a brighter light for reading. Other symptoms include colors appearing faded or yellow, having double vision in one eye, seeing halos around lights, or having frequent lens prescription changes. Cataract prevention includes lifestyle change. Severe cases require surgery.
  • Glaucoma: The Cleveland Clinic says glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. It results from increased pressure in the eye, ultimately leading to potential vision loss. Some types of glaucoma don’t show symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. However, some symptoms include eye pain, blurred or tunneled vision, blind spots, red eyes, rainbow-colored halos around lights, headaches, or nausea. Once damage begins, it’s irreversible, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which is why annual eye exams are crucial for your senior.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: A condition that can occur in people with diabetes. AAO says it happens when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina. It can eventually cause blindness. Unlike other eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes. The symptoms are similar to cataracts.

Maintaining Good Eye Health

Besides annual eye exams, here are some ways to ensure your loved one maintains good eye health:

  • UV Protection: Encourage your loved one to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and AMD. If your loved one smokes, help them find resources to quit.
  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity improves blood circulation, which is good for the eyes.
  • Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to eye strain and vision problems.
  • Limit Screen Time: Prolonged screen exposure can lead to eye strain. Encourage breaks and the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Dietary Recommendations

While you may not realize it, diet plays a significant role in eye health. Foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens and berries, can help with cataract prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can also slow down the progression of AMD. Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins for overall eye health. AAO also recommends orange-colored veggies and fruits with vitamin A, such as carrots or cantaloupe. Vitamin A is good for the retina and keeping the eyes moist. While Vitamin C helps repair the eye from damage caused by fried foods, tobacco smoke, and UV rays.

Call A Place At Home for Help

Eye care for seniors is not just the responsibility of the individual, but also the family and caregivers. If you’re concerned about your aging loved one’s vision, don’t wait for problems to escalate. If you need help getting your loved one to the doctor, let A Place At Home help you. We offer a variety of senior care services, including medical appointment assistance. Remember, good vision contributes to a better quality of life. Take the first step in ensuring a brighter, clearer future for your loved one today.

Find an A Place At Home location near you to set up a customizable care plan.

Addressing Senior Isolation: Strategies for Families and Caregivers

If your senior is experiencing isolation and loneliness, they’re not alone. The AARP Foundation finds that one in five Americans who are 65 years and older are socially isolated. It’s important to recognize whether your loved one feels lonely or isolated, because it’s a hazard to their physical and mental health. Research finds it can result in serious health problems such as high blood pressure, dementia, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases like the flu.

Families and caregivers can play a pivotal role in ensuring emotional well-being and social connectivity for the elderly. Explore how to combat senior isolation and loneliness.

Recognizing Senior Isolation

The first step in combating loneliness is recognizing the signs. These can range from obvious signs like withdrawing from social activities to more subtle indicators such as changes in eating habits or neglecting personal hygiene. Emotional well-being in elderly individuals is closely tied to their level of social interaction, so keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or mood.

Here’s what to look for in your loved one:

  • Lack of interest or withdrawal and deep boredom
  • Incapable of connecting with others on a deeper level
  • A lack of care for personal hygiene or grooming
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Either sleeping too much or too little or complaining about sleep issues
  • Clutter and hoarding of items in their house
  • Increased self-doubt or negative feelings of self-worth
  • Quickly exhausted from social activities or avoids them altogether
  • Frequent changes in mood, from sadness to irritability
  • May become easily defensive or sensitive to criticism

Proactive Measures to Combat Loneliness

Taking a proactive approach can make a world of difference. Here are some suggestions you can try:

  • Regular visits: Consistency is key. Make it a point to visit your loved one regularly and encourage other family members to do the same.
  • Technology: Teach your loved one how to use video calls or social media to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. Have them schedule a daily time to connect with family and friends over a phone call.
  • Community involvement: Encourage participation in community events or religious activities. The benefits of activities for elderly individuals in these settings are immense, from cognitive stimulation to a sense of belonging.
  • Pets: A pet can offer companionship and a sense of purpose, reducing feelings of loneliness.
  • Physical health:Exercise, eating healthy, and getting the proper amount of sleep (seven to nine hours) can decrease elderly loneliness. The National Institute on Aging says seniors should aim for two-and-a-half hours of activity a week that makes them breathe hard.
  • Activity or hobby: Help your loved one reconnect with a hobby they used to enjoy or find a class to learn something new to fill up their free time.

Keeping the Social Connection Alive

As age-related challenges like mobility issues or hearing loss arise, maintaining social connections becomes more complicated but not impossible. Adapt activities to suit their physical capabilities. For instance, consider raised flower beds if your loved one enjoys gardening but can’t bend easily. The benefits of activities for elderly people are not just physical but also emotional and cognitive.

Keeping the mind active is crucial. Simple activities like puzzles, reading, or watching documentaries can keep the mind engaged. Mental stimulation is not just about warding off cognitive decline; it’s also about giving your loved one something to look forward to each day.

Sometimes, all they need is a listening ear. Make time to talk to your loved one about their feelings and concerns. Emotional support can go a long way toward improving overall quality of life.

The Role of Caregivers

Caregivers can play a supportive role in alleviating loneliness. From organizing social activities to providing emotional support and daily stability at home, caregivers can do a lot to promote a sense of belonging. Professional caregiving services like those offered by A Place At Home can provide the necessary social interaction and mental stimulation if you can’t be with your loved one.

Contact A Place At Home

If you’re concerned about senior isolation and are looking for professional support, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our various senior care services are designed to address the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that your loved one is not just cared for but also cherished. We create a customized care plan to fit exactly what you and your loved one need. Remember, loneliness doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. Take the first step in ensuring a happier, healthier life for your loved one today by finding an A Place At Home location near you.

Senior Mental Health: 5 Tips for a Happy, Healthy Mind

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday

Senior mental health requires special care. The issue often gets overlooked, but over 20% of adults aged 60 and older suffer from a mental or neurological disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health. Learn some of the most common mental health issues facing seniors and how to support them through anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Most Common Mental Health Issues in Seniors

Depression tops the list as the most common mental health problem in older adults, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Other prevalent issues include anxiety disorders, dementia, and even psychosis. The National Institute on Aging also highlights that depression in seniors is often misdiagnosed as dementia, making it crucial you thoroughly talk through symptoms with your loved one and their doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.

Warning Signs of Anxiety and Depression

Senior depression can manifest differently than it does in younger individuals. For instance, it’s common for them to withdraw from social activities or lose interest in hobbies. Anxiety might look like excessive worrying, restlessness, or even physical symptoms like trembling. If you notice these signs, talk to your loved one’s doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mind

According to PAHO, two-thirds of seniors with mental health problems don’t get the treatment they need. Open communication is key. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Here are some more tips to help your loved one keep a happy and healthy mindset.

  1. Stay socially connected: Encourage your loved one to maintain friendships and engage in social activities.
  2. Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
  3. Healthy diet: Nutrient-rich foods can have a positive impact on mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, are particularly beneficial to the brain and can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
  4. Continue their hobbies: Hobbies such as games, art, or reading are great to get the mind going. They can create a sense of purpose for your loved one and put them in social situations. Research by the University of College London found that adults 50 years and older are 30% less likely to develop depression if they have a hobby.
  5. Regular sleep schedule: A study by the National Institutes of Health shows that inadequate sleep can increase the risk of dementia. Seven hours of sleep a night is considered sufficient.

Showing Support to Your Loved One

Supporting a senior with mental health issues can be challenging, but encouraging them to follow those five tips will help. Additionally, you can create a safe space for them to express their feelings. Open the communication line, listen to them without judgment, and offer emotional support. Help them engage in physical activity and have a social life. This can look like going on an afternoon walk with them or driving them to visit a friend. Loneliness exacerbates senior mental health issues.

At-Home Senior Care for Mental Health

At-home senior care services, like those offered by A Place At Home, can be a lifeline for your loved one. Caregivers can offer one-on-one emotional support and companionship, reducing your loved one’s feelings of isolation and worry. They can also help with medication management, ensuring that your loved one takes their prescribed treatments for health issues, including mental health. Plus, caregivers can help instill a daily routine. This allows your loved one to feel more in control and reduces their anxiety and stress from a lack of structure.

In-Home Care for Seniors with Autism

Senior care is not just for those with age-related conditions; it can also be tailored to support seniors with lifelong conditions like autism. While autism is generally diagnosed in childhood, seniors with autism require specialized care. Caregivers can provide personalized, structured routines and activities that cater to the unique needs of someone with autism, making their daily life more comfortable and less stressful. They can also plan activities designed to engage and stimulate them mentally.

A Place At Home Can Help

Senior mental health is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. If you’re concerned about the mental well-being of your elderly loved one, consider the support that professional at-home care can offer. The A Place At Home experience is unique to you and your family. We provide specialized care individualized to your loved one’s unique needs, ensuring their mental and emotional well-being is taken care of. Find a location near you and take the first step toward a happier, healthier life for your loved one.

Senior Care at Home: Deciding If It’s Right for Your Family

A caregiver from A Place At Home and a senior in a wheelchair are looking out into a garden together.

Watching a loved one age can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re faced with deciding how best to care for them. Compare your options for elderly care. Find out the pros and cons of senior care at home to decide if it’s the right choice for your family and elderly loved one.

How to Know If It’s Time

Noticing signs that a senior needs assistance is crucial. Sometimes the symptoms are obvious, such as a health issue like a stroke or fall. Other situations might be more subtle such as noticing they’re struggling with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care. Both are indicators that it might be time to consider help. The Mayo Clinic discusses these five warning signs:

  1. Self-care management: If you’re seeing a decline in personal hygiene, an unkept house, or bills going unpaid, it could be a sign of declining health.
  2. Memory loss: Are they forgetting to take medications, misplacing commonly used items like the TV remote, or repeatedly asking the same question? The Mayo Clinic defines all of these as signs of some type of memory loss.
  3. Home safety: Unexplained bruises or injuries is a suggestion that they might be having falls. Is the home safe for your loved one to navigate independently, such as climbing stairs or walking over loose rugs? Are daily items easily reachable, such as dishware? Senior care at home might be necessary if they can’t navigate their home safely alone.
  4. Unexplained weight loss: The Mayo Clinic says unexpected or unexplained weight loss is a sign of mental and/or physical health complications. Struggling to cook on their own, losing their sense of taste or smell, being overwhelmed by grocery shopping, or other health conditions are signs that intervention is needed.
  5. Mood changes: Has your loved one withdrawn from social activities or become increasingly isolated? This could indicate depression, and your senior could benefit from companionship care.

Types of Senior Care

When considering the best care option for your loved one, it’s essential to understand the distinctions of each choice. Let’s explore the social opportunities, medical facilities, and psychological impacts of senior care at home, adult day care, and retirement homes.

 Social OpportunitiesMedical FacilitiesPsychological Impact
In-Home Senior CareAt-home care primarily offers one-on-one interaction between the senior and the caregiver in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Families can easily visit, and seniors can maintain their neighborhood connections. However, it might require additional effort to ensure diverse social interactions.At-home care can accommodate basic medical needs, with caregivers assisting with medications and some therapies. For more specialized medical attention, additional arrangements might be necessary.Staying at home can offer emotional stability due to the familiarity of the environment. However, there’s a risk of feeling isolated if proactive steps aren’t taken to ensure regular social interactions.
Adult Day CareAdult day cares offer group settings where seniors can interact with peers. They often have scheduled activities, games, and group sessions that encourage socialization.Many adult day cares provide basic medical monitoring and have healthcare professionals on-site. They can handle routine medical needs but might not be equipped for specialized care.Attending an adult day care can provide a change of scenery and routine, which can be stimulating. However, the transition between home and the facility might be challenging and tiring for some seniors.
Retirement FacilitiesRetirement homes offer a community setting. Seniors have neighbors of their age, and there are often organized events, clubs, and activities to foster community bonding.These homes can handle a broader range of medical needs, from routine care to specialized attention. Some even have on-site medical facilities.Moving to a retirement home is a significant transition. While it offers a sense of community, it also means leaving behind a familiar environment. It can come with a very challenging adjustment period.

Costs of Senior Care

Senior care costs vary based on the type and duration of services needed. Genworth, a life and long-term care insurance company, created a cost-of-care survey in 2021. Here’s a breakdown of the national median costs for monthly senior care:

  • In-home senior care: (40 hours/week): $4,506
  • Home health aide: (40 hours/week): $4,680
  • Adult day care: $1,690
  • Assisted living facility: $4,500
  • Private nursing home room: $9,034

Senior care at home might seem expensive initially, but it can be more affordable compared to the costs of retirement homes or long-term care facilities. While adult day care is the cheapest option, it doesn’t prevent falls or other medical risks from occurring in your loved one’s home. You’ll have to figure out how to get them to the care facility daily.

If you’re concerned about paying for home care costs, here are some methods to manage these costs:

  • Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has this insurance, it might cover some costs of in-home care.
  • Veteran benefits: Veterans might be eligible for home care benefits.
  • Medicaid: Depending on your state, Medicaid might cover some home care services.
  • Personal savings: Setting aside funds for senior care can ease the financial burden when the time comes.

Pros and Cons of Senior Care At Home

In-home senior care offers a more personalized approach compared to other care options. You will be provided with one-on-one attention tailored to your loved one’s needs, ensuring they receive the best possible care in a familiar environment. Plus, your loved one can remain in their own home, surrounded by cherished memories and personal belongings, creating a level of comfort and familiarity. Some in-home care companies, like A Place At Home, offer customizable care plans. So, care schedules can be adjusted based on your family’s needs, whether a few hours a day or round-the-clock care. This allows you and your family to be more involved in day-to-day care and decisions for your loved one.

In contrast, adult day cares provide care during specific hours, often in a group setting. On the other hand, retirement homes offer a more permanent solution with 24/7 care but may require a significant lifestyle change.

Some cons to consider with home care include the cost, space limitations, or potential isolation. Depending on the level of care needed, at-home care can be expensive. Some homes may not be equipped to handle advanced medical equipment or mobility aids. Lastly, without regular social activities, seniors might feel isolated.

Find Help with A Place At Home

Those cons are nothing you should worry about when creating a care plan with A Place At Home. We offer compassionate and personalized at-home senior care services tailored to your loved one’s needs. Find a location near you and take the first step towards ensuring your loved one’s comfort and well-being.

Aging in Solitude: The Risks of Loneliness in Seniors

Risks of Loneliness in Seniors senior woman looking out window alone

Loneliness in seniors is a pervasive problem that can lead to negative effects on their mental health and overall well-being. According to research, nearly one-third of seniors experience loneliness and isolation, leading to a host of emotional and physical issues. In this blog, we’ll discuss the effects of loneliness and provide insights on how in-home senior care with A Place At Home can help reduce mental health problems.

Loneliness is a feeling of isolation or disconnection from others. As we age, we may experience the loss of loved ones and physical limitations that can make it difficult to maintain social connections. Seniors may also experience loneliness when they retire or move to a new location where they are unfamiliar with anyone. While loneliness is natural and can be experienced by anyone at any age, research indicates that seniors who experience loneliness are at risk of developing mental health problems.

Mental health issues associated with loneliness in seniors include depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Depression is a common problem among seniors who experience loneliness as they may feel lethargic, sad, and have a loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed. Anxiety is another problem that can develop from loneliness, leading to worries about their health, social interactions, and finances. Cognitive decline is also associated with loneliness as seniors who feel disconnected from others may not engage in activities that stimulate their mind, leading to cognitive decline over time.

In-Home Senior Care

In-home senior care with A Place At Home is a great way to combat loneliness in seniors. By having access to caregivers and companions, seniors can feel more connected to others and have meaningful social interactions. Companion care can help seniors build relationships with caregivers who can provide emotional support and engage in activities with them, leading to a better quality of life. Moreover, A Place At Home provides an opportunity to connect seniors with others who are going through similar experiences, leading to a sense of community that can combat feelings of isolation.

Loneliness in seniors can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being. However, in-home senior care is an effective way to address loneliness in seniors by providing companionship, emotional support, socialization opportunities, and overall assistance in their daily lives. At A Place At Home, we understand the importance of mental health and strive to provide seniors with the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

To learn about current options for in-home care for yourself or a loved one, give us a call at your nearest location or browse our website to discover more about our senior care services. We provide compassionate at-home care services that make it easier and safer for seniors to maintain their independence and continue to live at home.

Self-Care: An Essential Tool for Caregiving

Self-Care: An Essential Tool for Caregiving

The saying “you must fill your cup before filling others” is a quote that holds true with caregiving. Although the bonds and fulfillment of caring for others can be a driving force for caregivers, caregiving can also be quite a taxing role to take on. Meeting the needs and responsibilities of those in your care can oftentimes lead to negative effects on the caregiver’s physical and mental well-being. Neglecting to address these effects may eventually take a toll on both the caregiver and those in their care. Whether you are a family caregiver or a professional caregiver, making time to care for yourself is essential and should never be seen as selfish. 

When providing care, it’s natural to prioritize the needs of your loved one over your own, but doing so can lead to caregiver burnout and negatively impact your mental and physical health. It’s essential to keep an eye out for symptoms of burnout and take appropriate measures to prevent it.

Signs of Caregiver Burnout

  • Trouble sleeping too little or too much
  • Exhaustion that makes daily tasks difficult
  • Feelings of dread, guilt, being overwhelmed, or anxiousness
  • Easily agitated
  • Physical symptoms—headaches, stomach aches, getting sick more often, changes in weight
  • Withdrawing from people or hobbies you enjoy
  • Feeling disconnected from reality or that caregiving is taking over your life

Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking care of yourself and addressing these symptoms allows you to better care for your loved ones. Self-care can help you:

  • Reduce Stress: Find ways to help you manage the stress that may be brought on by caregiving. Blast your favorite tunes, take a walk, write your thoughts down in a journal, meditate — whatever your style may be, find what aids in a significant and positive impact on your stress levels.
  • Boost Your Immune System: When you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re more likely to get sick. Taking time to rest, eat healthy, and exercise can help keep your immune system strong.
  • Improve Your Mental Health: Setting time aside for yourself can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and prevent depression.
  • Enhance Your Quality of Life: When you’re taking care of yourself, you’re better able to enjoy life and take pleasure in the things that matter most to you.

Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Here are some self-care tips that can help you maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being while caring for others:

  • Take Time for Yourself: Whether it’s a few minutes or a few hours, it’s essential to take time for yourself each day. Use this time to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with friends.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Exercise Regularly: Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, improve your mood, and keep you healthy. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help you stay healthy and energized. Aim for plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help you stay present in the moment.
  • Reach Out: Seek help from a professional if needed or create a support network for yourself. Simply having someone to talk to or listen can be so cathartic.  

Self-care is essential for caregivers. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to care for your loved ones and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember, self-care is not selfish. It’s a necessary part of being a caregiver.

Still unsure if you are experiencing burnout? Try this caregiver assessment from the American Medical Association. 

Related Articles: 
Caregiver Tips to Proactively Prioritize Your Mental Health
Caregivers: Making An Impact Isn’t Always Easy

5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

A Place At Home - 5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

January is National Bath Safety Month, making it the perfect time to evaluate your and your loved one’s bathroom setups and assess the safety conditions. 

5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

With sharp countertop and cabinet corners, slick floors, hard surfaces, and a lack of handles or supports, bathrooms pose a substantial risk for seniors to experience a slip or fall. As nearly 230,000 injuries are reported each year due to mishaps in the bathroom, we have outlined five bathroom safety tips and precautions to help reduce the risk of injury or fall in the bathroom. 

Install Grab Bars and Non-Slip Strips

The average bathroom is typically not equipped with proper handles and supports to help one move around a bathroom. While you may find yourself grabbing towel bars or shelving for balance, these are not intended to hold weight over 5-20 lbs. Installing grips and grab bars near the toilet, in and around the shower or bathtub, and throughout the rest of the bathroom are the perfect aid for leverage, balance, and maneuvering around the bathroom. 

As there are many forms of grips and grab bars on the market, it is best to opt for wall-mounted options, as suction-cup options tend to come loose or slide down over time. When installing, walk through your loved one’s routine to find the best location and distances to place the grips and grab bars.

5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors - Grab Bars

Slick floors in the shower or tub are also a leading cause of falls in the bathroom. Installing non-slip strips help eliminate bulky shower mats and the risk of the mat’s suction cups from coming loose. Non-slip strips adhere directly to your shower or tub and provide a textured, grippy surface to stand on. 

Non-Slip Strips

Keep Bathroom Essentials Easily Accessible

Bending down or reaching up for bathroom products and essentials has also become a leading cause of injury in the bathroom. Bending down can result in hitting your head on countertops, shelving, shower fixtures, or the toilet while reaching up can result in knocking items down onto oneself or falling down from shifting weight to one side as you reach. Additionally, storing shampoo and other products along the edge of the shower or tub can pose a risk of falling while entering/exiting the shower or tub. All necessary bathroom and hygiene products should be kept within easy reach and free from clutter. 

Raise the Toilet Seat

Similarly to bending down for bathroom products, bending down and squatting to use the toilet may become challenging. Installing an elevated toilet seat is an optimal solution to elevate the hassle of transferring on and off the toilet. 

Much like the grab bars, it is important to install a raised toilet seat suitable to the space allotted and the mobility of your senior loved one. When choosing an elevated toilet seat, opt for seats that offer a more permanent and secure option. While these options may require more installation, elevated toilet seats that adhere or install directly onto your existing toilet are best, as opposed to the options that are simply placed over the toilet. 

Elevated Toilet Seat

Invest in an Accessible Shower/Tub or Bath Chair

Accessible showers and tubs are equipped with the stability and support needed for safe bathing, as they are typically furnished with grab bars, adjustable shower heads, shower-safe seating, and easy entry/exit options. Although shower stools are a more budget-friendly option, it is recommended to choose more permanent and supportive options, such as wall-mounted bath chairs like those pictured below. 

Accessible Shower

Hire a Caregiver

The assistance of a caregiver can ensure senior bathroom safety. A Place At Home offers in-home senior care services to keep your loved one safe from unexpected falls and assist with bathing and other daily tasks such as dressing and transferring from a bed to a wheelchair.  

When you choose A Place At Home, you work with a team of qualified, compassionate care professionals who will ensure the highest standards of care are met. Your safety is our top priority. Contact us today for senior-focused care tailored to your loved one’s needs — we are honored to help. 

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday

The holiday season is the most momentous time of the year as families, both near and far, gather to celebrate and rejoice in the festivities. As we roll from Thanksgiving into the holiday season, more and more time is spent with family. However, while this time may be full of joy and merriment, it can also show apparent changes with your loved ones — changes that may be early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

As we continue to gather with family, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the early signs and symptoms of dementia. Dementia is defined as a loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life — Alzheimer’s being the most common form of dementia. 

Signs of Dementia to Look for During the Holiday 

Memory loss

While forgetting someone’s name from time to time is normal, forgetting important events or recently learned information is a sign of memory loss. Asking the same questions or repeating a story multiple times are signs as well. The primary indicator is if your loved one is unable to recall the information later on. 

Struggle with Familiar Tasks 

Getting lost in familiar areas, forgetting to turn off the stove, neglecting to brush one’s teeth, or inability to recall the ingredients to the famous family recipe show struggle with tasks that were once handled gracefully and with ease. 

Uncharacteristic Distancing

Engaging in conversation, hobbies, and social activities becomes a struggle for those living with dementia, as remembering names or the rules of a game or simply holding a conversation becomes difficult. As a result, a person living with dementia tends to withdraw from social interaction.  

Misplacing Items

Alongside memory loss, losing or misplacing items may become more frequent. For example, a loved one may pick up an item and place it in an unusual or wrong place without being able to retrace their steps. 

Difficulty with Words

The inability to think of the correct word or continue their sentence is often a telltale sign of dementia. You may find your loved one struggling with vocabulary or referring to something with the wrong name. For example, referring to wine as “pressed grapes” or a watch as a “wrist clock.” 

Poor Judgement

As dementia affects logical decision-making, your loved one may experience a decline in judgment, which is a concern for safety. Crossing a busy road without checking to see if it’s safe, falling victim to a phone scam, neglecting to pay bills, or careless spending are significant signs of a decline in judgment. 

Shifts in Personality  

Individuals living with dementia may experience a shift in mood and personality. Your loved one can become confused, anxious, suspicious, and irritable as regulating and controlling emotions become more difficult.

Early detection of dementia is crucial to getting the proper care and treatment for your loved one. A Place At Home has supported families and individuals living with dementia for over a decade. Our professional and compassionate caregivers are empathetic and educated in the mental and physical care needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your situation or are seeking senior care, please reach out to us. We are here to help. 

Related Articles: 
The Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association Facts & Figures
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease – Dr. Reisberg
8 Ways to Help a Loved One With Alzheimer’s
4 Tips for Reducing Alzheimer’s Stigma
9 Signs Your Loved One Needs Memory Care
Understanding the Potential Link Between Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease
10 Tips for Navigating the Holidays and Alzheimer’s 

Commemorating Caregivers

Commemorating Caregivers

National Family Caregiver Month — Every day, but especially the month of November, is a time to commemorate the caregivers in our lives and across the country, draw awareness of caregiving issues, educate the community, and increase support for caregivers. 

Providing care for loved ones is rewarding and fulfilling but can also become overwhelming. Studies indicate that a vast majority of caregivers experience anxiety and depression as it is easy to get wrapped up in the health of loved ones, as well as see it as a foreshadowing of what may happen to oneself. This emotional and physical toll on caregivers is called burnout. 

While caring for others, caregivers tend to forget about themselves or push their needs aside. Caregivers advocate for a healthy diet, routine exercise, mental practices, and proper treatments with their clients. Still, it is important to practice what they preach and habituate these daily practices in their own lives as well. 

“One must fill their own cup before filling others” is a saying that’s often easier said than done. But through continuing to empower and support the caregivers in our lives and community, the adverse repercussions often associated with caregiving can be reduced and diminished, enabling caregivers to provide care for themselves and loved ones longer and stronger.

Ways to Support & Commemorate Caregivers 

  • Routinely reach out and check on the caregivers in your life. 
  • Ask about their day. 
  • Offer a helping hand with daily tasks (laundry, dishes, housekeeping, etc.) 
  • Lend a listening ear or shoulder to lean on.
  • Cook them a meal or invite them out to dinner.
  • Write a thank you letter about the amazing care they have given you and your family. 
  • Encourage them to seek mental health services if necessary. 

Whatever it may be, find a way to make the caregiver in your life feel included, heard, and loved.

Ways to Recharge as a Caregiver

  • Practice healthy living with routine exercise and a balanced diet. 
  • Find time for a hobby that makes you happy and feel accomplished, creative, or peaceful. 
  • Discover a mindful practice that brings you peace of mind or an outlet to channel your emotions. 
  • Journal. Getting your thoughts out on paper (or digitally) can be very therapeutic.
  • Establish a support system however feels best for you — through friends and family, a support group, etc. 
  • Reach out when needed, either to your support system or a healthcare or mental health professional.

Never feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Taking the time to care for oneself can ultimately lengthen the strides in your life as well as those around you and those you are caring for. If you’re a family caregiver and struggling with caregiver burnout, please reach out to us and let us help you care for you. 

Related Articles: 
Caregiver Burnout Prevention
Resources Available For Family Caregivers
Caregiver Tips to Proactively Prioritize Your Mental Health