Assisting elderly parents or friends can be challenging. As a person ages, their bodies may fall victim

to a number of health problems, which can be difficult to deal with.  An elderly person may become upset over small things that they can no longer cope with alone.  In order to deal with these changes, you need to learn to properly communicate.  Here are 5 simple suggestions that can help:
1. Show respect. Just because someone needs assistance every day with common tasks does not mean they are a child. Ask for their advice as you proceed. Being heard helps them to feel they haven’t lost control.
2. Always be calm, even if the other person is saying something ugly. Research shows that an elderly person may feel they can say anything they want without retribution because they are old. Don’t fall into that trap and start an argument.
3. Set rules and boundaries that understood by both sides. As a caregiver, you are giving up your time to help out. The care recipient may not fully grasp the amount of help you are providing. Let them know when requests aren’t reasonable, and offer other solutions. Do not be afraid to say no.
4. Truly listen to the person you’re helping. Always give your complete attention, even when it’s difficult.
5. Provide a loving environment. Acknowledge when they do something that’s intended to help you, no matter how small. More than anything, show gratitude. This will provide a sense of knowing that they’re useful and appreciated.

While these tips sound simple, they can be very hard to carry though.  If you find yourself in a situation where you feel angry or frustrated, take a deep breath and walk away, particularly if dementia is involved. More than anything, do not hold a grudge. If you feel you can’t manage the situation, give us a call.  We’ll be glad to help.

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+!

We get regular calls from families that are suddenly faced with the reality of planning care for another family member.  This type of thing seems to happen suddenly, and the callers are a

bit shell shocked, not knowing what services are available, how they may differ, or where to turn for advice.  Most people just don’t think about this until they have no choice, and then they’re scrambling to figure something out!  With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a few online tools that will help you navigate this task.  Even if you don’t have an immediate need, it’s worth a look to familiarize oneself with available options.

1. Cost of Care Calculator.  Are you aware of the costs of care in your area, and that they can vary from stated to state? This online calculator quickly lists the averages where you may live, or any area in the US!
2. Moving A Senior.  It’s common to move a parent or aging loved one as their needs increase. The National Associatin of Senior Move Managers can be a tremendous asset if you’re facing this challenge.
3. Financial Help for Veterans.  The Veterans Aid & Attendance pension is a little known benefit available to our veterans.  Home Helpers regularly assists our veterans with this, and you can find more information here.
4. Medicare Hospital Comparisons.  Medicare.gov will help you find the closest hospitals that process medicare, and list patient reviews!
5. Nursing Home Comparisons & Reviews.  Choosing a nursing facility can be confusing.  Get listings of what’s available nearby or in other areas, as well as ratings & reviews.

If you have a question or need that isn’t covered by any of the above, feel free to call our office.  We’ll be more than happy to help answer your questions and guide you to a solution.

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+!

Know how to recognize a stroke

Most people are unaware of the signs that someone is experiencing a stroke.  Knowing what to recognize, and then taking action can save a life.  Here are 5 quick clues:

1.  Weakness or numbness in the face or limbs.
2.  Dimming, or loss of vision, particularly if it occurs in one eye.    
3. Slurring speech, difficulty speaking or understanding speech.    
4. Severe headache with no known cause.    
5. Unexplained dizziness, especially if accompanied by any of the above.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, you can usually confirm it by asking them to

1. Smile
2. Raise both arms
3. Repeat a simple sentence

If they have trouble with this, call 911 or transport them to the nearest emergency room immediately.  Time is critical with a stroke, and the more quickly the sufferer gets medical attention, the more likely they are to recover.  DON’T WAIT TO SEE IF THEY IMPROVE, ACT!  If it turns out to be something other than a stroke, great!  But if it is a stroke, being quick can make a world of difference.

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+!

Music hath charms...

Did you know that there are many advantages to listening to music, aside from the inherent pleasure? 

That’s right, listening to music has health benefits that go beyond the Home Helpers Senior Careenjoyment we may feel.  For example, some physical advantages we derive are:

    Reduced pain levels
    Lower blood pressure
    Positively affect movement
    Calming feeling
    Improved range of motion

How is this possible you may ask?  Let’s take motion range as an example.  Music makes people want to dance & move.  Repetitive movements helps to keep joints limber and stretch muscles.  Also, did you know that dancing to music is the only thing that stimulates every part of the brain?  In many cases, individuals suffering Alzheimer’s disease will become completely nonverbal, but can still sing songs from the past such as Happy Birthday, Amazing Grace, The Star Spangled Banner or Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree and so on.

Music is unique to each person and is a part of our personal history and culture. It is a means of self-expression and helps define who we are. With music we are able to communicate and connect on common ground without using words.  And, it has health benefits to boot!

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+!