Planning Ahead

 We all like to put aside planninging ahead.  Finances, tough topics, or just the fact that we always like to think that everything is "fine" and nothing will happen causes us to procrastinate. 
 This seems to be especially true when the topic of planning for senior care comes up.  Assuming that all is well and no plans are needed is far from realistic.  In addition, the assumption that Medicare will see to all of our healthcare needs after retirement couldn't be farther from the truth.
 USAToday has put together a brief video that gives some quick advice and pointers on what should be considered.  Take a moment to view it.  It's worthwhile...


Home Helpers has been a premier provider of In Home Care and Senior Care services for over a decade.  Visit our website by clicking here, or call us today for more information at 704-909-7958.

Another reason to stop smoking...

Are you a smoker looking for a good reason to kick the habit?  Here’s one that you should consider.  Smoking in midlife is associated with a 157% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and a 172% increase in the risk of developing vascular dementia. These findings were recently published by Kaiser Permanente in the Archives of Internal Medicine. This was one of the first studies to look at the long term health affects of heavy smoking on dementia.
This study is the latest in a series of published Kaiser Permanente research to better understand the modifiable risk factors for dementia. This ongoing body of research adds to evidence base that what is good for the heart is good for the brain, and that midlife is not too soon to begin preventing dementia with good health. View the video below for additional information…

The preceding information provided by Home Helpers of LKN & Central NC.  Making life easier for over a decade.  Visit our website for more information, or call us at 704-909-7958.

6 tips to consider when caring for another...

Whether providing care or finding assistance for another, the following tips will help keep everyone’s lives more balanced…

1. It’s OK to push. – Many people will stubbornly refuse to admit that assistance is needed in their lives.  They typically tend to defer any needs to family members.  Be gentle but firm when the topic of living assistance comes up, and don’t wait until friends and family have been pushed to the point of “burn out”.
2. Don’t take it personally. – Illness or loss of independence can cause a personality change.  Many times the affected person will seem to be angry at everyone.  Understand that the anger is more likely due to the situation in general and is being redirected at friends & family.
3. It’s easy to over share information. – In today’s online information exchanges, it’s easy to update others on the condition of another family member.  However, one should always be mindful not to share too much information.  And remember to focus on the positives.
4. Try not to overly isolate someone because of their condition. – Whenever life changing situations come up, be it aging, disease, or some other issue, accommodate the need but not overly so.  For instance, a Parkinson’s sufferer may require special circumstances at some point, but work to keep them in the mainstream of their lives as much as possible.
5. Love goes through changes. – A parent suffering dementia or Alzheimer’s may say or act hurtful towards you at some point, which will likely affect your feelings towards them.  Understanding the true cause of the behavior can help you to deal with these feelings.
6. Share the work. – Whether caring for someone personally, or overseeing the care being provided by another, approach family members directly about the situation.  Divide the expenses, time, etc., amongst everyone.

Presented by Home Helpers of LKN & Central NC.  Making life easier for over a decade.  Visit our web site for more info, or call us today at 704-909-7958.

Eating Healthy At Any Age

The first step to better nutrition is to understand what kind of fuel your body needs. In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the food pyramid with a portion plate that highlights the five food groups.

March is National Nutrition Month and Home Helpers is dedicated to raising awareness. Good nutrition is not only good for our bodies but it also helps promote healthy habits all around. With two-thirds of all adults being overweight, it’s becoming more important to start making healthier food choices.

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, we encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health, one choice at a time. Rather than trying the latest fad diet, take a step back and reexamine your ultimate objective – a healthier lifestyle in which you feel more energized, optimistic and comfortable in your own skin.

The Food Groups

GRAINS – “Make half of your grains whole.”
Eat at least 3 oz. of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day.
1 oz. is about 1 slice of bread, about 1 cup of breakfast cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice, cereal or pasta.

VEGETABLES – “Vary your veggies.”
Eat more dark leafy greens, including broccoli, spinach and watercress.
Eat more orange vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes.
Eat more dry beans and peas like pinto beans, kidney beans and lentils.

FRUITS – “Focus on fruits.”
Eat a wide variety of fruit that’s fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
Go easy on fruit juices – these contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause the body’s energy levels to soar and then crash.

DAIRY/MILK – “Get your calcium-rich foods.”
Go low-fat or fat-free when you choose milk, yogurt and other milk products.
If you don’t or can’t consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources such as fortified foods and beverages.

PROTEIN/MEATS & BEANS – “Go lean with protein.”
Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry.
Bake it, broil it, or grill it.
Vary your protein routine – choose more fish, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.

Remember these tips, and try to apply them to your lifestyle, not just as a ‘lose weight’ campaign!

This information provided by Home Helpers Of LKN & Central NC.  Visit our website for more information!

Paying for In Home Care Services

When we receive a call at Home Helpers about in home care, one of the biggest concerns is, “How much will this cost?”.  Rest assured, we work to reduce costs as much as possible for each of our clients.

Most families, especially in our recent economy, think that they cannot afford to pay for assistance. So we’ve developed a list of questions that can act as a guide for families to find various resources:

First and foremost, we always ask if either of the potential clients were members in the military. Veterans could qualify for a number of benefits, depending on when and where they served as well as disabilities that may have developed. Some examples are: Aid and Attendance Pension, Disability Compensation, Home Health Aide, Respite, Adult Day Care or Skilled Nursing Facility.

Second, we ask if the potential clients have Long Term Care Insurance. Some insurance policies will cover all or a portion of the cost for home care. If they aren’t sure about coverage, we will assist them in every step of insurance claims processing.

A third resource is the Area Agency on Aging, which occasionally may be able to assist in getting services. You can learn more about this resource on our Online Resources web page.

The fourth option would be Medicaid. If the potential clients qualify, Medicaid can provide for Senior Care and In Home Care.  If a person is already receiving medical care via Medicaid, this is a likely option.

The fifth resource could be through a Reverse Mortgage where families could use their homes equity toward home care services.  Done properly, this can be an excellent tool for leveraging the value of a home.

Finally, it is very common for other family members, grown children for example, to pool their funds together and get the services that their parents may need.  For questions concerning home care, call Home Helpers at 704-909-7958, or visit our main web page for more information.

Coping with Parkinson's disease

Do you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, or know someone that does, and need help coping?  Researchers have begun to realize that in order to help the PD sufferer, they must treat more than the disease.  Treatment must encompass the whole person as well as those caregivers that are helping those afflicted with the disease.

With this in mind, researchers have created a standard education profile call the Patient Education Program Parkinson’s (PEPP).  The goal of the program is to help sufferers and caregivers cope with the enormous impact of the disease, and to improve their quality of life.  PEPP provides knowledge about the disease that can be used in combination with medical treatment to help manage all aspects of their lives.  The technique usually takes place over a period of 8 weekly group sessions.  Most participants in the researchers studies gave the PEPP sessions a positive evaluation upon completion.

If you have Parkinson’s, or know someone who does, seek out resources in your community that can help you to cope with the disease.  For more information on where to find local resources related to Parkinson’s and other health related challenges, visit our Online Resources web page by clicking on this link. Or call our office to learn more at 704-909-7958.

Presented by Home Helpers of LKN and Central NC.  Providing In Home & Senior Care to the Charlotte Metro and Central NC areas, we've been Making Life Easier for over a decade.  Visit our website for more information!