Craig Bass, Author at Golden Heart Walnut Creek

Is It Time For Elder Care For Your Senior Parent?

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Craig Bass

Elder Care in Lafayette CA

Sometimes the adult children of seniors have a hard time noticing when their senior parents start to struggle with everyday tasks. It’s hard to see your senior parent as someone that is changing and getting older. And sometimes parents don’t want to talk to their children about issues that they’re facing or medical conditions that are getting worse. But at some point, you and your senior loved one will have to talk about what is the next step for them. If your senior loved one is determined to stay in their home, discussing the benefits of elder care is the best place to start.

Elder care can be the lifeline that a lot of seniors need in order to live comfortably and safely in their own homes. Services are customizable so that your senior parent gets exactly the help they need based on their medical conditions, current health, and lifestyle. And as your senior parent’s needs change the elder care that they receive can change too. Some seniors have a hard time accepting help, but they find that it’s easier to get help from a caregiver than from their children. Having a conversation with your senior parent about getting in-home help is never easy. But if you’re seeing any of these signs it’s time to have a conversation with your senior parent about elder care:

Dishes Piling Up

If you see dishes, pots, and pans piling up in the kitchen and not getting cleaned or put away that’s a good sign that your senior loved one needs some help around the house. Maybe the dishes are too heavy for them to comfortably hold, or maybe they don’t have the strength to stand at the sink and do dishes, or maybe they are struggling to reach up or bend down to put things away. If you see dishes and pots and pans that don’t get put away for days on end it’s time to talk about elder care.

Dust Piling Up

If you notice a thick layer of dust on tables, lamps, window blinds, the TV, and in other places that could mean your senior loved one is struggling with housework. Because dust and other allergens can make it tough for seniors to breathe this is an issue that needs to be addressed swiftly.

No Food In The Fridge

Check out the fridge the next time you visit your senior loved one. If there’s little or no food in there it could mean that your senior loved one is having a hard time making meals. Or that they are having a hard time shopping for food. Elder care can help with both of things and a caregiver will make sure that your senior loved one is eating nutritious meals every day. If you notice a lack of food in the fridge and the cupboard it’s time to talk about getting some home care for your senior parent.

Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/choosing-to-live-at-home

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Lafayette, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Helping a Senior Cope With Loneliness

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Craig Bass

Home Care Assistance in Clayton CA

As seniors age, they start losing more people. It’s a natural part of life that can be really hard to understand and cope with. If your senior parent has friends and family that continue passing away, it will be important to help them cope with loneliness. Their friends may die, their partner may die, and this loss can impact you and your thoughts when trying to help your senior mom or dad.

One of the best ways to ensure a senior is not lonely is by hiring home care assistance. This is especially useful when your senior chooses to age in place rather than go somewhere else to age. Home care assistance can help keep seniors routine and be a companion for them every day.

As we become older, we all go through a lot of changes, and many of those changes might leave us feeling lonely. Losing lovers, close friends, and relatives may be traumatic. Visiting others might be challenging if you have mobility issues or other health issues. There are many ways and reasons why a senior can feel lonely. Here are a few ways you can help.

Encourage Using Technology

If your senior loved one is hesitant to embrace new technological advances, the promise of meaningful social connection may be what they need to come on board. Using technology such as mobile phones and tablets built exclusively for elders might simplify the transition and make social media seem more enticing. You may need to sit down with them and show them exactly how to use the devices.

Teach Them a New Hobby

Picking up a new interest, no matter your age may be a terrific way to meet new people and establish satisfying and long-lasting connections. If your senior loved one is caught in a rut, a pastime might help them get out of it. If they had a passion that they used to like, getting back into it might help them relive the sensations they experienced when they were younger. Finding ways to fill up their time every day can help them feel less lonely.

Adopt a Pet

Not all seniors should get dogs, but there are tons of other animals that a senior can take care of even if they can’t go outside much. Adopting a pet may provide a senior loved one with a lifetime friend and companion who will adore them no matter what. Pet ownership has been found to minimize feelings of sadness and loneliness among individuals of all age groups, and caring for an energetic pet like a dog may inspire a senior to obtain the exercise they need. In addition, taking your dog for walks or to the dog park on a regular basis is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Try a Group Activity

Whether it’s group therapy, art class, or workout class, attending group activities can help seniors battle the loneliness they feel. The more they can do on their own, the less likely they are to be lonely and the happier they will live. Home care assistance offers transportation to and from social activities like book clubs, music classes, knitting groups and more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Top Sunscreen Information for the Elderly

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Craig Bass

In-Home Care in Moraga CA

Wearing sunscreen is important for all ages, including seniors. Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t know what type or how much of it to use. As a family caregiver, you may have to help your elderly loved one to use the appropriate sunscreen at the right times. In-home care can also play an important role in making sure your senior is taking sun protection seriously.

Sun-Protection Factors or SPF

The SPF on sunscreen stands for sun-protection factor. There are many different types of SPF lotions and sprays. However, it is important that the elderly use a sunscreen that has a 30 SPF or higher. This can help to block out harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Using Broad-Spectrum

Your elderly loved one needs to protect their skin from UVB radiation (the type that causes sunburns) and UVA radiation (the type that speeds up the aging process). Both these types of radiation can cause skin cancer. So, when you are helping your elderly loved one to pick out the sunscreen, be sure it is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both these types of rays.

Proper Timing

It is also important that your elderly loved one is applying the sunscreen at the appropriate times. Generally speaking, sunscreen should be applied to the entire body about 15 minutes before someone is going to be exposed to the sun. It is crucial that the entire body is being covered including the tops of ears, neck, nose, forehead, arms, legs, feet, and scalp. Even your elderly loved one’s back should be covered. Then, if your elderly loved one is going to be outdoors for over 2 hours, the sunscreen should be reapplied at the 2-hour mark and every 2 hours after that. If your elderly loved one is sweating a lot or has gone swimming, they should reapply the sunscreen after both these instances, too.

When to Use Sunscreen

In addition to the proper timing, there are certain circumstances where your elderly loved one may think they don’t need sunscreen, but they do. Some of these instances include:

Being in the shade
On cloudy days
Only going outside for a short time
In the morning and evening (all day really)

Now that you know your elderly loved one still needs sunscreen at these times, too, make sure they know this. It should also be noted that wearing sunglasses and a hat whenever possible outside is another great way to protect the skin and eyes from damaging sun rays.

Conclusion

This is just some of the sunscreen information that is helpful for the elderly. If you are caring for your elderly loved one, it is crucial to make sure they are following the advice noted here today. Many senior citizens won’t remember to put on sunscreen as often as they need to. If this is happening with your elderly loved one, it may be good for you to hire in-home care providers who can remind your elderly loved one to put it on and help them to put it on, as well.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Five Ways to Help Your Mom With Bathing and Hygiene

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Craig Bass

Personal Care at Home in Concord CA

Since her stroke, your mom cannot do many personal care tasks independently. She needs someone to help her get showered and dressed. Brushing and flossing her teeth is too difficult. She cannot shave, apply moisturizer to her skin, or trim her nails.

It’s clear your mom needs help, more help than she’ll accept from you. Between your job, scheduling and managing your mom’s many therapy sessions, and your need for self-care, it’s stressful. How can you help your mom with bathing and hygiene without stressing her or yourself out? The answer is personal care at home.

Set Up a Soothing Setting

Sometimes, aromatherapy can be soothing. Have an essential oil diffuser in the bathroom. Scents like lavender, vanilla, and mint may help your mom relax while you wash her, trim her nails, and take care of her personal care needs.

Invest in a Terry Robe

During a shower, your mom may not enjoy being fully exposed. Purchase a terry robe that’s a little larger than she needs. Drop one shoulder to wash that area, pull the robe back up, and do the same on the other side.

The robe will get damp, but it can be dried outside in the sun. Wash it when you wash the towels.

If she resists using a robe, switch to towels. Have several towels that you can drape over her. Remove towels as needed to wash that area and then cover her back up.

Make the Most of Hand-Held Aids

A hand-held shower wand simplifies the bathing process as you direct water where it’s needed. A shower mitt or brush puts a little distance between your hand and your mom’s body, which may be less awkward for her.

When you’re brushing and flossing her teeth, floss picks may be easier to use. An electric toothbrush breaks up plaque better.

Provide Rewards

Consider offering a reward for getting through it. Your mom may not like having to rely on you or a caregiver for help, but you can make it more appealing by rewarding her with something she loves.

After she lets you bathe her and help her get dressed, sit down together for a cup of coffee and carrot cake muffin. She might appreciate a chai latte and slice of coffee cake.

Hire Personal Care Aides

It’s time to talk to a personal care at home agency. With a specialist’s help, you can arrange the personal care services your mom requires. You’ll have peace of mind that she’s in great hands, and she isn’t stressed that you’re seeing her at her most intimate moments.

Jot down a list of the care tasks she needs help with from the time she gets up to the moment she goes to bed. Find out if others in the family can help her with any of them, and if she’ll allow their help. From there, book personal care at home for her.

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.

24-Hour Home Care Is What Your Senior Needs After a Stroke

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Craig Bass

24-Hour Home Care in Clayton CA

Whether a stroke is mild or severe, your dad will need care that most family members are not trained to offer. As he regains his skills, his speech may be difficult to understand. He might not be able to speak at all.

His mobility is likely impacted. If he can walk, he may require a walker. He might need a wheelchair, which means you’ll be helping with transfers in and out of bed, on and off the toilet, and in and out of the shower. Are you prepared for all of that?

Caring for a parent after a stroke is stressful. It’s hard emotionally and physically. Have you thought about the many benefits of 24-hour home care services after a stroke?

The Things Your Dad Will Need

Depending on the stroke, your dad may need weeks or months of physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. If his mobility is impacted, he will need someone to help him with toileting all day and during the night. He’ll need help with showering/bathing, grooming, and personal care.

Once he’s showered, your dad needs help getting dressed. He may require you to choose the proper clothing for the day. You’ll understand the weather reports, but he may not be able to read the weather reports if his vision is impacted.

Your dad will be unable to cook meals for himself. He may need someone to feed him. You’ll be doing the dishes after preparing meals and snacks. You’ll also be cleaning the kitchen sinks and counters when the meal is over.

Light housekeeping, like vacuuming and dusting, are things he won’t be able to do while he recovers. Your dad will need someone to do the laundry, run errands, and shop for household supplies and groceries

You may be needed to manage his finances, pay bills, and stay on top of any necessary home repairs and maintenance tasks. You’re also going to become your dad’s driver as he will need medical clearance before he can drive again.

You Can’t Ignore Self-Care

It’s so important to help your family by arranging 24-hour home care. As much as you might want to be the only one providing his care, you need sleep and time for self-care. You have to have time off to recharge, de-stress, and visit with friends and family.

If you still work, you can’t let your dad’s care impact your financial needs. You can’t quit a job and risk not having health insurance. You definitely shouldn’t leave your job if you’re still building your retirement income.

With the help of 24-hour home care aides, you can sleep through the night without worrying about him being alone. His care doesn’t have to impact your need for self-care or socialization. Call a home care agency to get started.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Keeping the Skin and Mind Young: What Tips Can Help?

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Craig Bass

Home Care in Walnut Creek CA

When caring for your elderly loved one, does it seem like they pay a lot of attention to their skin and mind? Maybe, you or a home care provider hear them talking about their wrinkles or how they really hope they don’t get dementia. If that is the case, you can share the tips that are noted below. These tips can help to keep their skin and mind younger-looking and feeling for a longer time than if they weren’t doing these tips.

Reduce Stress

The number one point to make to your elderly loved one if they want to keep their skin and mind young is to reduce their stress. Studies show that stress can cause wrinkles, dementia, and many other neurodegenerative conditions. However, there is good news. Your elderly loved one can learn many coping techniques to help reduce and prevent stress such as:

Hanging out with friends, loved ones, or home care providers
Reading
Journal writing
Watching comedy
Doing crafts
Taking a nap

It may even be a good idea for someone to write down the things that lower your elderly loved one’s stress levels. That way, no matter who is taking care of or helping them at a given time, they will know how to help them bring calmness to their days.

Moving Forward

Is your elderly loved one stuck in the past? Maybe, they continue talking about the past practically every time that you speak to them. If that is the case, it would be highly recommended that you or someone else try to get them to move forward. There are many ways that this can be done including:

Setting goals for the present and future
Working on projects
Cleaning
Going through things from the past and getting rid of them

Each one of these ideas can help your elderly loved one to move forward. If your elderly loved one isn’t sure what they are going to do in the future, you can work with them to create goals. It might be trial and error for a while and that’s okay, as long as they are attempting to achieve some type of goal or project.

Eating Healthier Foods

Another way that your elderly loved one can keep their skin and mind young is by eating healthier foods. There are certain sugar, salt, or fat-filled foods that increase inflammation in the body. Those are the foods that also cause blood vessel damage that can harm the brain. However, if your elderly loved one eats healthier foods on a regular basis, it can significantly improve their skin and brain health.

If you are trying to help your elderly loved one keep their skin and mind young, they should start with the tips noted above. These are tips that have helped many elderly people to feel and look younger. The sooner your elderly loved one starts using these tips, the better it will be for their looks and the way they are feeling each day.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging

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.

We love what we do!

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Craig Bass

It is a privilege to be there for you and your family. We truly get the nicest people to join the Golden Heart Senior Care Community. Thank for these kinds words.

Best Low-Impact Exercises for Senior Citizens

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Craig Bass

24-Hour Home Care in Walnut Creek CA

Are you looking for exercises that will be safe for your elderly loved one? Depending on the state of their physical health, there may be some exercises they just can’t do. However, most senior citizens can do low-impact exercises such as the ones that are noted down below. If you have questions about whether these exercises are alright for your elderly loved one, you or a 24-hour home care provider can take them to the doctor to find out.

Fun, Effective Water Aerobics

One of the types of low-impact exercises that is great for senior citizens is water aerobics. These exercises are fun and effective. There are many places where these exercises can be done. You or a 24-hour home care provider might be able to take your elderly loved one to the pool at a local community center or senior center. Some of the benefits of this type of exercise include:

Easing joint and back pain
Boosting muscle mass
Improving balanced
Reducing risk of falls

If you are not sure whether this would be a good activity for your elderly loved one, possibly because they don’t like to swim, there are many other low-impact exercises that would be beneficial for them, as well.

Dance it Out

Did you know there are numerous health benefits to dancing? Just like swimming, it is fun, too. There are often senior citizen dance programs. A 24-hour home care provider can also find dance exercise programs or videos online for your elderly loved one, if they want to dance at home. Some of the many benefits of dancing include:

Improving balance
Lower risk of falling
Having fun
Boosting energy
Reducing pain and tension in the body
Reducing mental health issues

If your elderly loved one needs these benefits, talk to them about starting a dance program as soon as possible.

Getting on Bike

Another low-impact exercise for the elderly is bicycling. If this is something you think your elderly loved one could do or wants to do, you can get them a bike if they don’t have one. If the weather doesn’t allow for a bike, you could even get them an indoor exercise bike. Some benefits of this exercise are:

Less pain in the joints
Improves cardiovascular system
Improves balances
Lessens muscle pain and other types of pain
Boosts energy
Improves muscle strength

Now that you know the benefits of this type of exercise, it may be a good idea to get your elderly loved one started with cycling very soon.

Conclusion

If you are looking for low-impact exercises for senior citizens, you can start with the options here today. You or a senior care provider may even want to talk to your elderly loved one about which ones they prefer over others. Then, you can make a workout plan together.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-older-adults-can-get-started-exercise

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Diabetes Management in Seniors: How Companion Care Can Help

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Craig Bass

Companion Care at Home in Walnut Creek CA

Diabetes can often cause severe health issues. Sometimes, people go into diabetic shock. This is just one of the many reasons why diabetes management in senior citizens is so crucial. As a family caregiver, there are some ways that you can help your elderly loved one with this health condition. However, it is also important to know when to ask for help in caring for your elderly loved one. If you can’t be there with your senior regularly, you may want to consider hiring companion care at home providers. They can be there to help your elderly loved one to manage their diabetes in many ways.

Reminders

Does your elderly loved one need to take medications or insulin? If so, it is vital they are taking their medications and injections at the proper times and days. If they are likely to forget, you should get on top of this issue. One solution would be to hire home care providers. They can go to your elderly loved one’s home and remind them to take their medications or insulin injections. That way, they aren’t missing doses and risking getting even sicker.

Eating Better

As a diabetic, your elderly loved one will need to focus on eating better. However, there are many elderly people who know they need to do this, but they either forget or don’t keep up on it. For example, if your elderly loved one used to be a late-night snacker, they may slip up and eat cake or cookies often before bed. By having companion care at home providers in their home in the day and/or night, your elderly loved one can be encouraged to eat better all the time. This can reduce the number of times your elderly loved one would be to slip up on eating healthy.

Stay in Touch with Doctors

Does your elderly loved one forget to keep in touch with their doctors? What about when they are having symptoms that aren’t under control? How do they usually handle those? If you don’t think your elderly loved one is staying in touch with their doctors or attending their appointments, you may want to hire senior care providers. These providers can take your elderly loved one to and from their appointments and make sure all unmanaged symptoms are discussed.

Conclusion

Does your elderly loved one have diabetes? If so, the condition must be managed to keep your elderly loved one as healthy as possible. Between the help that you and home care providers offer, your elderly loved one should be able to better manage their condition.

Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092888/

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How Can You Help Your Senior Avoid a Fall from Her Bed?

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Craig Bass

Home Care Assistance in Danville CA

Your senior is particularly vulnerable when she’s getting into or out of her bed. That can mean that her fall risk is much greater. There are some steps that you and your elderly family member can take that can help her to be safer in her bed. It’s important to start from the beginning and make sure you’re not missing anything that could help avoid an injury. Home care assistance can play a vital role in improving your senior’s safety at home.

Assess Her Fall Risk in Her Bedroom

How likely is your senior to fall from her bed or to fall in her bedroom at all? There’s a lot to consider in terms of risk factors, ranging from health issues to the environment in your senior’s bedroom. Many of those risk factors can overlap with her overall fall risk, too. So it’s vital to consider all of the variables that might make a fall more likely for her. That might be easier to do with some help.

Talk with Your Senior’s Doctor about Her Fall Risk

The first step if you’re starting from scratch with assessing your senior’s fall risk is to talk with her doctor. Her doctor can help your senior and you to understand more about what she needs in order to avoid a fall from her bed. There might also be health-related factors that you both need to consider.

Find Practical Solutions that Address Risk Factors

When you’ve got a full picture of your senior’s fall risk, you can take action. Simple things, like making sure that her bed is the right height and that she’s got easy access to lighting, can all help quite a bit. Think about things like midnight bathroom trips, and how you can make those safer. Things like adding bed rails may be a good idea, depending on your senior’s fall risks.

Consider Home Care Assistance

Something else to add to your senior’s list of practical solutions might be elderly care providers. Home care assistance can be invaluable in providing hands-on help for your elderly family member right when she needs it the most. If she’s reluctant to accept help, explore the different ways that caregivers can make life easier and safer for your senior. Offering a trial run can also be a really good idea.

Safety at home is always a huge concern for aging adults, and that’s never more obvious than when you’re looking at fall risk. Putting real solutions in place helps your elderly family member to feel more confident in her home.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Danville, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.