We want to give a shout out! This month marks 2 years Maria has been a devoted caregiver here at Golden Heart Walnut Creek! Maria is creative, hardworking and always finds a way to make others feel special. Thank you for all you do!
Month: September 2021
Caregivers that Care
As COVID-19 continues to impact Walnut Creek, Golden Heart is fully committed to the health and well-being of our clients, caregivers and staff. Our caregivers and management team are committed to do everything possible to help and protect you and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit https://goldenheartwalnutcreek.com to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
Celebrating Long-Term Care Planning Month
To honor Long-Term Care Planning Month we are excited to gift all new clients with 10% off their first month! Long-term care incorporates services outside of medical care such as support for every day living, safety and basic personal care. You are not in this alone. Stop by our office in Walnut Creek or call us today 925.203.3039 to starting planning.
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
Assistance for Independence
We want to make a difference in the Walnut Creek area. We believe there is nothing more important than for a person to receive the highest quality care to live a full independent life in the comfort of their home or a setting of their own choosing. Call us today! 925.203.3039
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
How to Craft a Care Plan After Your Dad’s Stroke
Every year, close to 800,000 people have a stroke. Of those, around 610,000 are first-time strokes. Close to 87 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes, meaning a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
Your dad had a stroke. After talking to his medical team, you need to make plans as he cannot live alone without having others help him. It’s time to come up with a care plan that matches his needs.
Changes in the Home
Your dad will work with therapists to regain as much mobility as possible. He needs to work on the exercises that are recommended. What’s important to consider is that he may always need a walker, cane, or wheelchair. It’s hard to tell until he’s working with therapists.
His home may need to undergo some changes. If those changes aren’t possible, you may not have a choice other than to move him to a single-level home equipped with wider doors and hallways.
Bathing will be different after his stroke. If he cannot get in or out of the bathtub independently, he needs a home care provider there to help him. A shower seat that affixes to the wall or suctions to the tile or fiberglass floor is essential if he cannot stand for long. A walk-in tub or wheelchair-accessible shower can make it easier to bathe.
He may not be able to walk up and down the stairs. Look at the possibility of adding a power stairlift. If that’s not possible, moving him to the main level of the home is essential. He needs to have his bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area on the same level as the door he uses to get inside and outside of the home.
If there are stairs to the outside, a wheelchair ramp may be necessary to ensure he can get outside. This is why some families have to decide whether it’s better to stay in the current home or downsize to a single-level condo, apartment, or single-family home.
Changes to His Diet
After a stroke, his doctor may tell your dad to cut salt from his diet. He needs to watch saturated fat, excessive amounts of sugar, and processed foods. He needs to embrace a whole diet that contains plenty of fiber, lean protein, and nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Look Into the Benefits of Home Care
After your dad’s stroke, his medical team may recommend he goes to a rehabilitation wing or facility to relearn some of his required skills like swallowing, moving his legs and arms, and speech. Sometimes, you can arrange to have physical, speech, and occupational therapists come to his home. He’s still going to need additional help.
Home care aides can help your dad with bathing, grooming, and personal care. They can assist him on the stairs and when getting in and out of bed. Have home care aides help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, too. It enables you to focus on spending time with your dad without worrying about what needs to get done around the home.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
How to Handle Last-Minute Changes to Schedules You Thought Were Set
When you work, take care of your dad, and have your own home to manage, last-minute schedule changes are aggravating. You had an appointment scheduled on a day your brother had off, but now it has changed. Your brother can’t take the new day off, so you’ll have to bring your dad with you or find someone else.
As the stress builds, you are snapping at everyone. You don’t mean to, but the pressure is too much. It would help if everything went as planned, but life doesn’t always cooperate. What can you do to handle last-minute changes?
Take a Deep Breath
Before you panic, stop and take a few deep breaths. You can’t change everything, but you can lower your stress levels by breathing. If you’ve never tried yoga before, the breathing and stretches in that exercise and medication program will help you de-stress and relax.
See If It’s Possible to Reschedule
Sometimes, you can reschedule. If the appointment is a quick blood test at your doctor’s, ask if it’s okay to put it off. Your doctor may recommend going to an office that’s closer or having a nurse come to your home for the blood draw. If that option presents itself, take your doctor up on it as long as you get the referral for your insurance.
Some appointments are too important to reschedule. If it’s a screening like a mammogram or a colonoscopy that took months to get, you need to keep it. In that case, it’s time to ask family members and close friends to help out.
Talk to Other Family Members
Now that you’re a bit calmer, talk to others in your family. Explain the situation and see if anyone is free. It’s not always going to work out to your benefit, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If someone is free, you’ve resolved your scheduling conflict.
What if no one can help you? It’s okay. Don’t take it out on them. Instead, start looking for local personal care at home agencies.
Hire Personal Care at Home Aides to Fill In
Don’t let the stress of last-minute changes get to you. Make arrangements to have trained caregivers stay with your dad while you take care of appointments, meetings, or whatever else is going on.
Focus on what you need to do and know your dad is in excellent hands with his personal care at home. Make arrangements and learn more about the cost of personal care at home by talking to a home care expert.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Concord, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.