Appearances can be deceiving...

The Christmas Season is a time to feel joyous and share fellowship with our friends and loved ones.  During this season, it’s easy to forget or overlook persons that appear to be doing well and in good

spirits, but in actuality may be struggling.

Our office recently came across a couple that, from all outward appearances, were self sufficient and comfortable.  However, as we began to talk and learn more about them, it became apparent that all was not as it appeared.  While they seemed to be independent, the scary reality was that were struggling to fix regular meals.  In many cases, they were simply not eating because the preparation effort was overwhelming.  After placing a few phone calls, we now have this problem under control.

As you visit or talk to neighbors, acquaintances, and loved ones, this Christmas Season, make sure that the reality of their situation is not a veiled appearance.  Ask questions, and offer help.   If you come across a situation like the one above and are not sure how to proceed, call us.  We’ll be more than happy to assist.

  Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

A New Scam Alert!

We are frequently asked by clients about special deals or offers that they receive at home via telephone. 

Almost without fail, the calls are from a scam artist that is looking to take advantage of someone.

A new scam which has been pervasive in targeting seniors in our area lately is aimed at providing a “FREE” emergency alert unit. The caller typically states “that their FREE Life Line unit is ready to be installed, and that it’s on the way to their home now”.  They go on to explain that “This unit was paid for by a friend or family member and they only need some information to verify that they have the correct person & address. A technician will then be out to install the device“. This is generally followed by a request for personal information, and perhaps a credit card.  When the information is provided, the scammer will use it towards identity theft, or charge the provided credit card.

In every instance where we’ve come across this scam, the caller id number indicates that they are calling from a distant area code, not locally.  Calling the number back results in a recorded message and a hang up.
If you have friends or family that may fit the “senior” profile these scams are targeting, please let them know about this.  Also, make sure they NEVER divulge any personal or financial information over a phone call.  If they truly need a life line medical alert unit, call us. We carry a full line of products, and will gladly match the need and budget to the correct product.  All service will be local, and there are no contracts or hidden fees. Ever!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Flu Vaccinations and Google's Very Cool Flu Map!

Did you know that the flu shot isn’t only important to individual protection it also reduces the likelihood of the flu being spread? When more people get vaccinated against the flu, it

can't spread through that community according to the CDC. This is especially important if you’re caring for someone else, particularly a senior. Given that the vaccine is less effective in seniors, an additional layer of protection is possible if caregivers and loved ones also get vaccinated.

If you’re wondering whether the flu is active in your community, Google’s Flu Map is one way to check: it uses common flu-related search terms as indicators of flu activity in various regions. Whether your region is getting hit by the flu might be a helpful deciding factor in getting a shot this year—though, again, the CDC’s recommendation is for everyone to get a flu shot, even if you’re not in a hard-hit area.  You can find Google’s Flu Map online at this url: http://www.google.org/flutrends/us/#US

We hear from people every year about how they got the flu from flu shots, the shot made them ill, etc.  While medically it’s not possible to get the flu from a flu vaccination,  it is possible to get side effects  that may feel a bit like the flu.  These may include soreness at the injection site, aches, or low-grade fever.  With all questions of this type, you should always consult with your doctor.  It’s important to make informed decisions when dealing with health & well being!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Cutting the VA Benefits Red Tape!

What many veterans and their spouses don’t realize is they may be eligible for up to $24,648 per year of tax-free money to help pay for home care services.  The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Pension with Aid and Attendance Benefit helps to cover medical expenses, including home care services, such as bathing, dressing, feeding and personal hygiene.

In addition to a lack of awareness, many potentially eligible candidates are deterred by the complexity of the application process. Mark Thommarson, of Corsicana, Texas, experienced this when trying to obtain the benefit for his own parents. “The mountain of paperwork for the application process was overwhelming,” Thommarson said. “Although the local VA office tried to be helpful, the paperwork seemed complicated, and I understood the process could take 18 months to two years for approval. So at that point, I gave up and continued to pay for their care out of my own pocket.”
Then two years ago, Home Helpers locations nationwide aligned with St. Louis-based Veterans Care Coordination (VCC), an organization dedicated to helping veterans apply for and obtain the benefit. Despite his initial skepticism, Thommarson gave the process another try with VCC’s assistance.

“I began the application process for Mom and Dad in April 2013. On June 1, we received our authorization for the start of their services through VCC, and in August, we received the award of benefit from the VA,” Thommarson said. “VCC made the process easy and understandable. The $2,000 worth of care that was previously being paid for by me and my siblings is now being paid for by the VA.”

To learn more about the benefit and eligibility requirements, contact a Home Helpers location near you.  Today, and every day, take a moment to thank our nation’s veterans and their loved ones for their dedication to our country.

  Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

The origins of Veterans Day...

World War I, known at the time as “The Great War”, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars”.


In November of 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. It is intended as a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  Home Helpers would like to extend our thanks for all veterans for the services they have provided.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

From Pink Floyd, "Breathe, breathe in the air"

No, this post isn't about Pink Floyd's song Breathe, although there are some loose correlations with the lyrics.  We're focusing more on our lungs rather than the rock band. The lungs differ from other organs in your body because the tissues are exposed to the outside world.  Fortunately, we have a natural defense system to protect us. This usually works well, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of lung disease,  and consequently the need for supplemental oxygen or treatment as we age.

Don't Smoke.  We know you've never heard that before, but it's a big deal for healthy lungs.  Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. Over time cigarette smoke damages lung tissue, and may trigger events that lead to cancer.
Avoid Exposure to Pollutants.  Secondhand smoke, outdoor air pollution, chemicals in the home and workplace, can cause lung disease.
Prevent Infection. A cold or other respiratory infection can quickly become very serious. Common prevention tips are:
*Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Use hand sanitizers as a backup.
*Avoids crowds and closed spaces during the cold and flu season.
*Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if a flu vaccine is right for you.
*If you get sick, keep it to yourself!   Stay home from work and rest until you are feeling better.
Get Regular Checkups. Health checks are an important part of disease prevention, even when you are feeling well. During a checkup, your doctor will listen to your breathing and talk to you about any concerns you may have.

  Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Our office is constantly being asked about costs for the services we provide, as well as how it compares to other services and the differences in what is being provided.  One oversight that we

consistently see is when people do not fully appreciate that our Home Health Aides are dedicated to one-on-one services.  In contrast, a facility may have as many as 15 patients assigned to one caregiver.  Consequently, the amount of attention and time that person may spend with each patient is limited.  It’s a huge differentiation, and one that should be fully understood when comparing value.

 In keeping track of average care costs, Genworth does an admirable job of publishing a yearly evaluation.  The costs are directly compared on a state-by-state basis, so you can compare different areas if you’re searching for a loved one that isn’t close by.  The latest reports are now accessable on their website, and the comparisons are available by clicking here.  Notice also, you can select different cities within a state to tailor your information.

Having information like this available before you begin shopping makes decisions easier.  Just be sure you fully understand the differences between the listings.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Cut drug costs the easy way!

If you've ever had to obtain non-generic drugs because a generic brand wasn't available, you know how quickly costs can mount. Americans spent on average $758 out of pocket for medication in 2012, according to a recent Consumer Reports national telephone poll. One thing you can do to help reduce costs of any drug is to shop around.  How?  Call around to different pharmacies and ask for the price on a months supply of the drug in need.  You may be shocked at what you discover.

Recently, Consumer Reports did just this, inquiring about the costs of multiple drugs from different pharmacies. What they found was that in some cases, the same drugs varied in price by over $100 between stores.  You can read their article, and see the prices they were quoted in their report by clicking here.

As a consumer, you have the right to shop and compare prices.  Don't settle for paying higher prices when better deals can be found with just a phone call!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

More on Alzheimer's...

We came across an interesting article on Yahoo News about a study focused on so called “Super

Agers” and what makes them different. A “Super Ager” is a person who is in their 80s and 90s, but with brains and memories that seem far younger. One interesting find in the study suggests that people who are “cognitively active and socially engaged” have a reduced chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Which comes first — a healthy brain or a great attitude — isn’t known. However, it’s worthy of note that staying active as we age is a repeating theme in reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

 The article is interesting in it’s observations and discoveries, and can be read in it's entirety by clicking here!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade. Call us today at 704-909-7958. And as always, you can find us on our website, Facebook and Google+!

An Alzheimer's diagnosis...

 When a family member receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, life is never the same. As with the sufferer, loved ones lives change dramatically in ways that no-one can imagine until they’ve walked

that path. With Alzheimer’s, we become different people, gaining a very clear perspective of just how fragile life is.
 Initially, subtle changes may be unnoticed in the sufferer, or perhaps will  be blamed on the normal aging process. As time goes by and the disease progresses, it’s common for someone to begin repeating themselves, and to struggle more to find the correct words to express themselves. Becoming defensive about simple things that are no longer simple, or withdrawing from personal contact is common. Family and caregivers will frequently blame this on themselves, thinking that they aren’t doing enough to keep the sufferer busy. Though this sort of denial is common, the reality is that it’s the normal progression of Alzheimer’s.
  Life after Alzheimer’s can be no less confusing. There’s always the thought that more could have been done, or something done differently. Rarely is this the case however.
  Home Helpers is proud to be a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and we actively participate in that organization’s fundraisers to help end the disease. If you’d like more information about Alzheimer’s and the care services we provide, or would like to participate in a local Alzheimer’s event with us, call our office. We’ll be happy to assist in any way we can.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade. Call us today at 704-909-7958. And as always, you can find us on our website, Facebook and Google+!

Keeping the brain active to avoid dementia

A very large study of self-employed people living in France finds those who retired later had a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia, in line with the idea that you either "use it or lose it."

Carole Dufouil of the Bordeaux School of Public Health, and colleagues, found that the risk of being diagnosed with dementia went down for each year of working longer. The study appears to confirm earlier research that suggests lifelong mental stimulation and challenge may protect against Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

So what to do?  The study doesn't tell people that they "shouldn't" retire, only that people who's minds are kept active are less likely to develop dementia.  Those that continued working remained active!  Bottom line, retired or not, stay active.  Board games, hobbies, clubs, working with others, these all keep the brain in gear.  And that's a good thing when it comes to avoiding dementia.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade. Call us today at 704-909-7958. And as always, you can find us on our website, Facebook and Google+!

Cutting Costs & Adding Security with Advanced Technology

Technology doesn't stand still, and we make every effort to bring our clients the most reliable and cost effective products that are available.  Many of our clients utilize Emergency Alert systems that allow them to summons help by merely pushing a button that is worn around the neck or wrist.  The only drawback to the typical alert button is that it's range is limited to around the home or yard.  Get in the car and go for a drive, and the button becomes unusable one it's more than about 300 feet from the home.

Home Helpers now offers two products that address this limitation (click here to view).  Our Direct Link Life Sentry 2-way Pendant features a 600 foot range and the ability to speak to a responder directly through the pendant.  The pendant is small, but allows an individual to move up to 600 feet from the home base unit.

For more active individuals, our Cell Based Mobile Care Pendant works through the AT&T cell network and can travel with you most anywhere you go!  In addition to providing one touch help, sophisticated fall detection is standard, and it offers a reverse call up feature that can be used to receive medication reminders or wellness checks! An internal GPS makes certain the user can be located quickly in an emergency, so there's no need to provide directions.

Best of all, we offer free delivery, setup, instruction, and no contract services!  Call our office today to learn about these and other great products, and how affordable our products and services can be.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!
 

Preventing Falls At Home

Home Helpers serves many families with emergency medical alert units that provide assistance atPrevention tips:

the touch of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We even have units that will automatically sense if a person has fallen.  However, our desire is that the systems never need to be used because precautions have been taken to prevent accidents. With that in mind, we’d like to offer some Fall

  Keep Moving: Talk with your doctor about physical activities such as walking, water aerobics or tai chi.  Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

  Wear sensible shoes: Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall-prevention plan.  High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall, as can walking in your stocking feet. Instead, consider properly fitting, lace-up shoes with non-skid soles. For lounging in stocking feet, choose socks with rubberized non-slip soles.

  Remove home hazards:  Take a look around your home.  The rooms may be filled with hazards. Remove boxes, newspapers/magazines, electrical cords, etc., from traffic areas. Secure loose rugs with double sided tape, or just remove them completely. And be sure to have nonslip maps in the bathroom and shower/tub.

  Light up your life!:  Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see.

  Use assistive devices:  Using a cane or walker can help keep someone steady. Other assistive devices, such as hand-rails, raised toilet seats, shower grab bars, or a shower seat, can be a great help too.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+! - See more at: http://www.homecarehuntersvillenc.com//blog/#sthash.Tp4miF9S.dpuf

Seniors & Credit Cards - Family Advice

We were recently approached by someone who's parents credit card habits were creating grave concern.  The debt was piling up just from the interest, and they were at a loss as to anything that

could be done.  There are some steps you can take to help get the ball rolling in the right direction.  Let's look at a few of the most common:
1) Make sure your parent isn’t still using the cards so that they don't accrue additional debt.
2) Review every credit card to see if any other individuals besides your parents are associated with each account. If so, request that their names be removed from any applicable accounts if possible – this will help the other person(s) to retain or salvage their own credit rating.
3) Call each credit card company and request a settlement, which would allow your parents to repay less than what they currently owe, and to do so within a reasonable payment structure.
4) If you’re unable to reach a settlement, seek legal advice. Since your parents are in debt and likely cannot afford a lawyer, you can look for pro bono assistance.  Senior Centers and the local Council On Aging offices are a great place to start with this.
Open and frank discussions will be needed, but remember to not be harsh.  Credit card spending is a temptation that is easy to succumb to.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Seniors & Driving, A Great Video Documentary

  Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it's likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.

But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.


Old People Driving from Doran Danoff on Vimeo.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film.

Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.

If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15th

We are usually taught to respect our elders, for they have spent their lives caring for us and contributing to community, our elders deserve the utmost care and appreciation. Unfortunately, seniors continue to be victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The most recent statistics are disturbing, and sad:

Elderly Abuse Statistics Data
Number of elder abuse cases in 2010                  5,961,568
Percent of elder population abused in 2010              9.5 %
the society in which we live today. As valued members of our
Breakdown of Reported Elder Abuse Cases
Neglect                                       58.5 %
Physical Abuse                          15.7 %
Financial Exploitation                 12.3 %
Emotional Abuse                         7.3 %
Sexual Abuse                              0.04 %
All other types                              5.1 %
Unknown                                     0.06 %
The well-being of the elderly must be brought to the forefront of societal concerns. Their health, safety and rights must be protected, and they should be treated the same way we would hope to be treated ourselves.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We all have opportunities to reach out to our families, friends, neighbors, and places of employment and worship. This June, take a stand against elder abuse! Awareness of the problem is a powerful tool.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

National Stroke Awareness Month - Thinks you should know...

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States. Over 800,000 people die in the U.S. each year from cardiovascular disease and strokes. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a

clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. When a stroke happens, it is important to recognize the symptoms, call 911 right away, and get to a hospital quickly.  Use the word "FAST" to remember what to look for:

F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S - Speech: Is the speech slurred or strained?
T - Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately!

When a stroke occurs, time is critical! The quicker you react, the better the snuffer's chances of recovering.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Heart Attack - Recognize the symptoms and take action

A heart attack is the sudden loss of blood flow to the heart muscle due to the blockage of a hear artery. 

 Recognizing the symptoms and knowing what to do are key to minimizing the affects of an attack.  

The most common and easily recognized symptoms are…

   Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain)
   Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (neck, arm, jaw)
   Shortness of breath
   Sweating
   Nausea
   Lightheadedness

When a heart attach happens, the blocked artery needs to be opened as quickly as possible to allow blood to flow again.  Recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly are vital!  If you’re unsure of whether it’s a heart attack or not, take action anyway.  It’s best to err on the side of safety!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Spring, flowers, pollen, ACHOO!

  Spring brings budding trees, blooming flowers, and fresh cut grass.  It also brings on the dreaded onslaught of outdoor allergies.  If you’re one that regularly feels the affects of allergies, there are steps you can take to help minimize the effects of the explosion of pollens:

1. Keep doors & windows closed during peak pollen months.
2. Use your air conditioner and replace the air filters.
3. If you want to spend time outdoors, do it when the pollen counts are lower.  Midday and afternoon tend to be the highest.
4. Take an antihistamine before spending time outdoors.
5. Avoid open or freshly mowed fields.
6. Postpone yard work, or have someone else do it.
7. Don’t dry laundry outdoors during periods of high pollen.
8. If you exercise outdoors, do you warm-ups, stretching, and cool-down indoors.  This minimized the time you spend outside.
9. Wear sunglasses when outside, and don’t touch or rub your eyes.

As always, consult with your doctor with all health issues.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

National Parkinson's Awareness Month

While celebrities such as Michael J. Fox have helped increase recognitions of Parkinson’s Disease, there remains a general lack of understanding about this disorder.  With an increase in the percent of the population having Parkinson’s, National Parkinson’s Awareness Month is dedicated to helping people understand this chronic & progressive illness.

Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system.  It affects nerve cells in the brain that send signals to control movement.  Progression of the disease varies by person and symptom’s may be mild or severe.  Most people associate trembling with a Parkinson’s sufferer.  Additional symptoms may include a lack of arm movement when walking, slow movement or freezing in place, monotone speech, and stiffness or rigidity of muscles in the limbs and neck.  As symptoms progress, the need for care-giving assistance increases.

The video below chronicles a Parkinson’s sufferer dealing with the disease.  We hope to have an update in the near future that will display how new treatment has made a huge difference in his live.  While there is no cure, early and ongoing treatment can help control and reduce the symptoms.  New procedures have shown incredible success in this regard.  As always, consult with your physician as quickly as possible if you or a loved one shows symptoms.


Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Seniors & Safe Driving

Sooner or later, we all begin to worry about our parents or other seniors we know and their driving.  If you happen to live in the Lake Norman or Charlotte Metro area, Huntersville Presbyterian Hospital has a great seminar planned on this topic:

Let’s Be Safe: Seniors and Driving
We have a very special guest speaker for Senior Saturday’s
in April to talk about safety behind the wheel for seniors.
Please join us on for April’s Senior Saturday event!
Call now to register!

Saturday, April 20, 2013
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville – Community Room

Presenter: Kathy Allen, Carolina Safe Driving

This is a free program for seniors. Registration is encouraged.
Light refreshments will be provided. Call Joyce Brooks at 704-316-3872 to register.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Having a Great Day with Alzheimer's

Have you ever wondered why people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia suddenly have a “good” day?

Why are they so bad one day and not so bad the next? The family may think- Mom is getting better, the Doctor must have diagnosed her wrong, her memory is fine today, she’s in a great mood!

The truth is that once the brain damage has occurred, it’s permanent. Our brains have about 100 billion neurons with branches that connect at more than 100 trillion points. These neurons help us to retrieve stored memories, and signal our thoughts and feelings. Alzheimer’s disease destroys these neurons.

So why do we experience “good” days and “bad” days? If you think of the neurons in the brain as a very complex road map of streets and intersections and suddenly a bridge is out, consider what your GPS does. It recalculates! Occasionally the brain will be able to reroute or recalculate and find an alternate route to retrieve that information. The brain is remarkable and will try to find a back door to get that information if possible. Some days it works, and some days it doesn’t. So when someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is having a great day, that’s just what it is.  A great day.

Reprinted with permission from Debra Kostiw.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

10 New Facts About Alzheimer's

Research on Alzheimer’s progresses every year, and some of the statistics are staggering. The Alzheimer’s Association provides an annual report detailing costs and complications of the disease to patients, caregivers and the health care system.  We’ve pulled out 10 of the latest facts about Alzheimer’s disease..

1. Nearly half of adults aged 85 and over have Alzheimer’s disease.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s, an estimated one in eight people aged 65 and over (13%) suffer from Alzheimer’s, and .  It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
2. Out of approximately 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, more than half may not know they have it.
3. More women than men have Alzheimer’s disease.  The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly two-thirds of Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s are women. The primary reason for this statistic is that women generally live longer than men.
4. Early-onset Alzheimer’s can develop in people as young as age 30.  Though the cause still isn’t well understood, some of these cases have a genetic component.
5. In America, a new case of Alzheimer’s develops every 68 seconds; by 2050, the incidence will increase to every 33 seconds. The rate at which Alzheimer’s disease occurs is projected to double by the middle of the century because of the growing population over age 65.
6. Alzheimer’s is the 6th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the 5th-leading cause of death in adults aged 65 and over.
7. Over 15 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, most (70%) of those caregivers are female family members.
8. Alzheimer’s caregivers have an increased likelihood of physical strain, mental and emotional stress, depression, financial problems, and familial/interpersonal issues.
This is largely due to the communications difficulty and personality changes that affects the sufferer. Therapeutic and social support are shown to reduce this risk.
9. In 2012, the average annual cost of health care and LTC services for someone with Alzheimer’s was $43,847.
10. An estimated 800,000 Americans with Alzheimer’s are living alone.  Many of those have no identified caregiver, a situation which puts them at greater risk of social isolation, poor self-care, falls and other medical emergencies, wandering, malnutrition and a range of other issues.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

From Alzheimer’s Association, 2012 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. March 2012; 8:131–168.

When the Child Becomes the Parent

As we age, caregiving requirements can often result in an role reversal of the parent-child relationship – one where the child begins parenting the parent. One day we find ourselves caring for parents who are as dependent on us as we were on them during our childhood. This can be emotionally challenging for the elderly parent as well as the adult child.

For the senior parent, it’s common to have feelings of embarrassment, frustration and depression when they are forced to rely on a grown child for care. Loss of independence and sense of helplessness can lead to feelings of despair, and sometimes resentment.

Adult children may resent having to take on full time or part time caregiving.  There is no pay, but it’s as strenuous as any other job that you may undertake. Many grown children feel a sense of loss as they witness the deterioration of a once  vibrant parent that they previously depended on in their younger days. Because the relationship between you and your parent has changed, you may need to explore new ways of expressing love and receiving love that are appropriate to you both. The following are a few quick tips on helping to keep a loving relationship:

• Use of affirmative words.Say, “I love you” regularly, and share compliments with your loved one daily. Be careful not to overdo this, as it can be concieved as condescending if over applied.

• Physical touch.  If your parent is the touchy type, they will feel loved if you make it a habit to give hugs regularly.

• Gifts.  Gift giving shows the recipient that you care for them, and that you are willing to sacrifice in order to make them happy. Make sure not to miss a birthday, anniversary, or other important event as they could take this as a sign of being unloved.

• Quality time.  Everyone appreciates moments when they have your undivided attention, being together enjoying each others company without distractions. If this is important to your parent, set aside time each week to spend just with them, and don’t look at it as caregiving. Turn off your smart-phone, computer, TV, etc, and get together with your parent in a quiet room or over the dinner table for one-on-one time.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that veterans will no longer have to complete an annual Eligibility Verification Report or EVR.  Historically, this report was required in order to maintain Veteran's benefits. This elimination will allow more Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits Newsthan 100 VA staff to focus on the compensation claims backlog.
  In lieu of requiring the report,  VA staff will now work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration, essentially establishing a partnership between the two agencies.  This will allow them to verify continued eligibility for pension benefits.  The current backlog of benefits claims is nearly 900,000 applicants. Any moves taken towards reducing that backlog is a step in the right direction.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Reducing Dementia Risks, Part II

In our first installment of this two part series, we discussed 3 tips on how to reduce the risk of developing dementia.  This installment continues on that topic with 3 additional tips:
4. Alcohol in moderation
You knew this one was going to pop up, didn’t you?  There are a host of dangers associated with drinking too much, and dementia can be added to the risks. Surprisingly, alcohol abuse is the second leading cause of adult dementia in Western countries! Men consuming six drinks daily and women who have four drinks daily place themselves at a higher risk of developing dementia.
5. Spend More Time with Friends and Reduce Stress
An active social life is linked to longevity, happiness,and good health, but it also associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Experts are not clear about the reason for this, but there appear to be definite benefits!  And, it’s fun.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep and dreams have been fascinating research topics for years. While much is understood about sleep, much of it remains a mystery.  For instance, we still don’t have a concrete answer as to what dreams really are. We do have a pretty good picture of what happens to people who don’t get enough sleep though. In the short term, sleep deprivation can change your mood, decrease reaction time, and make you more prone to simple mistakes.  Going without sleep for 24 hours or more can lead to hallucinations and other signs of mental distress. Even modest disruptions to sleep cycles could be linked to Alzheimer’s.  Studies have shown that when older people sleep poorly, it can prevent them from “storing” memories and lead to dementia symptoms.  Bottom line, get some rest.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Reducing Dementia Risks, Part I

Anyone who has witnessed someone deal with Alzheimer’s disease knows how cruel it can be. Although it can strike anyone and there isn’t a cure,  there are steps one can take to minimize the odds of developing the disease. There are factors under our control that are linked to a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. By looking at published research, we can adopt healthy lifestyle changes that may decrease our chances of developing dementia. Simultaneously, we are also improving the quality of our lives. There is always contradictory advice available about diet and lifestyle.  For instance, we see articles that proclaim eggs should be avoided because they cause heart disease. You can also read that eggs are the greatest food since vegetables because they contain all 20 protoeogenic amino acids. It can be hard to make sense of it all, but one shouldn’t tune out entirely.

Let’s look at some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s or at least help you live a healthier life.
1. Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
The leading cause of death in America is heart disease. However, risk factors such as smoking and eating a high-fat diet are under an individual’s control. A heart-healthy lifestyle also lowers your risk of developing memory loss, particularly vascular dementia. Research suggests that vascular dementia can be caused by high blood pressure and heart disease. With that in mind, here’s the first advice:
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet (low fat, low sugar, lots of vegetables)
Don’t smoke
Simple enough, but it’s not always easy. It is hard to break longstanding habits, and our hectic lives often aren’t conducive to healthy eating and exercise. Knowing this, try to incorporate increased activity into your daily routine. Take a walk at lunch and use the stairs instead of elevators. Simply parking at the rear of a parking lot is a great way to squeeze in more walking. And stay away from the couch & TV.
2. Use Your Brain
Research has shown that higher education levels are linked to decreased risk of cognitive decline.  This doesn’t mean you have to return to college!  Reading, puzzles, crafts, etc., activities that make you think help to exercise the brain.
3. Head Protection
The Alzheimer’s Association is very clear here: “There is a strong link between future risk of Alzheimer’s and serious head trauma, especially when injury involves loss of consciousness.” While you may not be involved in contact sports, that doesn’t remove all possibilities of injury. To minimize head injury risk, always wear a seat belt in a car and a helmet when cycling. Falls are also a cause of head injuries. If you or a loved one have limited mobility or vision problems, take extra precautions that assure the home is without fall-hazards.
To be continued in Part II.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

A New Year & Heart Health

Every new year, Americans are made aware that it’s a good time to be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack, adopt a healthy diet, or stop bad habits, all to help avoid heartdisease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Some of us make a true effort to change lifestyles, for others, it never really takes hold.  And while a cardiac event can temporarily slow a person of any age, it is particularly limiting for older adults.

Differences in activity level for those with and without heart disease are substantial. Adults with heart disease are much more likely to have difficulties with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking, etc.  A task as simple as walking out to get the mail, can become challenging for a person affected by heart disease.  Among those with coronary heart disease, about one-third of those age 51 to 61 and about half of those age 70 and older have difficulty with one or more of these activities, or what’s commonly referred to as ADLs.

We strive to help people remain in their homes by assisting them in a safe and compassionate way. If you know someone who is limited in their activity because of a cardiac event, or any illness, give us a call.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Health Benefits from Coffee

With so many things in our lives that seem to be bad for us, here’s a bit of information we came across this week that is very positive.  Like wine, chocolate and popcorn, coffee has joined the ranks of unlikely foods with health benefits!  Of course, with every endorsement there are caveats, and as with most foods, it’s moderation.  Excessive consumption can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and foster a dependence on caffeine.  However, if  you limit the cream and sugar, here are 5 benefits:
1. Memory Improvement.  Coffee can help with both long- and short-term memory. In a 2005 study presented at the Radiological Society of North America, researchers found that consuming two cups of caffeinated coffee improved short-term memory and reaction times.
2. Diabetes.  Studies suggest that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.  It’s attributed to compounds in coffee that block hIAPP, a polypeptide that can result in abnormal protein fibers, which are found in people with Type 2.
3. Decreases Cancer Risk.  Coffee consumption has been associated with decreased risk of breast, endometrial, prostate and liver cancers, and those linked with obesity, estrogen and insulin.
4. Antioxidant Properties.  Harvard researcher Edward Giovannucci, in research published in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,” noted that coffee has more antioxidants than most vegetables and fruits. In fact, a 2005 study found that coffee is the No. 1 source for antioxidants in the American diet.
5. Performance.  Coffee, and the caffeine in it, has been shown in multiple studies to increase both endurance and short-term performance.
So there you have it, 5 reasons to enjoy a good cup of coffee!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!