Each year, 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Our compassionate caregivers are available to help lower that risk. Daily activities such a going to the kitchen, stepping out the shower, getting into a vehicle, or maybe just enjoy the sun outside requires walking. Our team can be there to bring peace of mind to you or your loved ones. Less time worrying and more time living an independent life to the fullest. Take the next step and call us today 925-203-3039.
Author: Craig Bass
How Do You Choose Who Should Care for Your Mom and Dad?
Your dad had a stroke and needs help morning to night. Your mom has Alzheimer’s and cannot be left alone, or she wanders off. When your family is facing those situations, how do you choose a person to provide that care? Here are some things to consider, and how senior care can help.
Have a Family Discussion
Talk to everyone in the immediate family who should have a say. If your brother is estranged and hasn’t talked to your mom and dad in years, you’re not obligated to include him unless they really want to. Your aunts and uncles may matter, but you should follow your parents’ guidance on who to involve.
Have a family meeting online or during a family picnic or gathering. Talk about the health issues your parents face, their changing circumstances, and the activities of daily living that they struggle to do independently. See if anyone has the time to help out.
Your aunt may be happy to pick up your mom on shopping day and help her shop for groceries. Your sister may want to be the person to drive your parents to and from their medical appointments. When someone offers to help, make a note of it. Plan a schedule and see where there are any open spaces.
It’s those slots that you need to fill with the help of others. Suppose no other family members have the time to help out; it’s okay. Don’t push others into something they cannot manage.
Instead, turn to senior care services. It’s not worth taking on more than you can handle or letting your parents struggle alone.
Make Sure Your Parents Have Their Say
During the family discussion, let your parents give their input. They may be nervous or uncomfortable having others help. If your mom needs help showering, she may not want your uncle helping out. Respect her need for privacy.
Your dad doesn’t want his granddaughter helping him shave each morning. Again, you have to work with him. If he’s more comfortable having your brother help out, try to make sure that happens. Often, the best choice is to have an experienced senior care provider help with these tasks so that an awkward situation can be avoided.
Senior Care Services Are An Excellent Option
What if no one can dedicate the time needed to help out? If you find there are gaps in the care plan, look into senior care services. If everyone is at work during the hours your parents need help getting to doctor’s appointments, professional caregivers are happy to help.
Talk to a senior care expert about the services they offer. You’ll work with the specialist to create a care plan that matches your parents’ needs and budget.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
Referral Program
Join the referral program! Receive 10% off your next billing cycle by referring a friend or family member. Discount applied after friend or family member joins the Golden Heart clientele. Call us today at 925-203-3039 to learn more or encourage your friend or family member to visit our website to request a free consultation. https://goldenheartwalnutcreek.com/
Memorial Day 2021
Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start of summer but we want to give shout out to all those who have served our country. We hope everyone enjoys a safe day with your family and friends this weekend. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”— John F. Kennedy
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers on the Golden Heart Walnut Creek team and clients! These photos are just a few of the great moms we have helping you and your loved ones. To all the moms out there! We see you, we appreciate you and hope you have a bless day.
Fun Fact! It’s World Book Day!
World Book and Copyright Day is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. World Book Day was first celebrated on April 23, 1995, and continues to be recognized on that day.
Let’s celebrate this day together by sharing our list of favorite books!
Celebrate National Audubon Day with Your Parent on April 26
The National Audubon Society was created to protect birds and the places they live, feed, and breed today and in the future. They encourage support of our fine feathered friends through education, advocacy, and special events. While April 26 is its national day, as a caregiver for your senior parent, you can spend any day celebrating the birds in your neighborhood.
As a caregiver, you can use this special day to plan some fun time with your aging parent celebrating the birds in your area. Whether you live in a big city or out in the country, there are always birds that enrich the places we live and are worth celebrating and protecting. So, grab your binoculars and your parent and head out to find some birds on April 26.
- Go to the back yard. The easiest way to find some birds is often just opening the back door and heading out into the yard. If your parent has a home, or even an apartment with a balcony or patio, then he might have some birds right outside that he could get to know better. Often, those common birds that hang around backyards are the ones people know the least about. Help your parent spot some birds in his yard (if he has a bird feeder, it’ll attract even more varieties), then go inside and do some research on the birds you saw. As his caregiver, you can help him use the internet to look up the birds you saw, or you can purchase a birding book to try to find the birds you saw.
- Take a walk in the neighborhood. Spring is the time birds are building their nests and singing their songs each morning. If you can find the time, go for an early morning stroll around the neighborhood with your parent to see which birds you and your parent can spot flying around the trees and neighbor’s homes. You might be surprised by the wide variety of birds that frequent your area. If you’ve been kept inside due to COVID-19 restrictions, this can also be a perfect opportunity for your parent to reconnect with his neighbors. A caregiver from a home care agency can help your senior take regular walks when you are unable to assist.
- Visit a local park. If your park has trees and/or a body of water, birds are sure to be calling that park home. Bring your binoculars, your bird book and maybe even a portable chair to set out to watch the birds that visit the park. It’s fun to have a check list as well so that your parent can check off all the birds he’s lucky enough to spot. Don’t forget to bring the camera if your parent likes to take photos so he can capture them for future enjoyment by printing up his photos.
No matter how you decide to celebrate National Audubon Day with your parent, remember to bring the kids with as well so long as everyone can be safe. Bird watching is a great family-friendly activity that everyone can take part in together, building memories that will last a lifetime. When you can’t be there to take walks, a caregiver from a home care agency can ensure your senior loved one gets out in the fresh air and gets quality exercise.
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Pleasant Hill, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.
Selecting Caregivers
We seek out caring people who have a passion to help seniors live an empowered, independent life. We interview caregivers who are trained professionals, e.g. Certified Nursing Assistants, Directed Care Specialists, Certified Caregivers, Medical Assistants, Dietitians, Physical Therapy Technicians, etc. The interviews are intensive and designed to determine the caregivers’ areas of expertise, work ethic, character, and flexibility. We look for team players with strong ethics, and a high level of commitment to the frail aged. Visit our website to read more about how we select the right caregiver for you and your loved ones.
Take the next step!
From personal care, household, or companionship needs are compassionate caregivers are excited to meet those needs. Call us today! We enjoy providing a free consultation for you and your loved ones. Take the next step because one phone call can change everything.
What do caregivers do?
The next best thing to family is the Golden Heart caregivers and staff. We provide non-medical in-home care services to help our clients live safely in their own homes for as long as possible. We provide everything from companion care, to deep housecleaning and errands, to highly skilled personal care. Call us today. We want to hear what your greatest need is.