Home Care Pasadena enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Type 1 diabetes is a common type that affects many seniors. While the disease is manageable, it may take some time to determine the correct amount of insulin needed daily. With this type of diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin, thus requiring the patient to inject insulin daily. Below is a list containing some important facts about this type of diabetes.

1. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Without insulin, the patient will not survive. It is important to find out exactly how much insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.

2. The onset of Type 1 happens rapidly. The warning signs of the development of type 1 diabetes include increased blood sugar levels, increased urination and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

3. It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly. These levels allow patients to monitor their diabetes and can tell them how much insulin they need to control the levels. It is best to test before meals, a few hours after meals and before bedtime.

4. A regular diet is important, but so is the time meals are eaten. Many diabetics have to eat at the same time every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

5. A healthy life style will help the battle with Type 1 diabetes. Work with doctors to find a regime that works best and stick to it. Once your diabetes is under control, you will lead a normal life.

Source: diabetes.about.com

Image: diabetic-forum.net

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

It works for many families – bringing a senior relative into their home to keep an eye on their health and care, but for some seniors, it’s just too close for comfort. After years of independence, it can be hard to feel like that’s being taken away while living under someone else’s roof, so if you’re a senior who’s been offered this living arrangement, here are some specific questions to ask. By posing these questions, you can help determine if you are ready to move in with an adult child and their family:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Trusting someone with the care of your loved one is not easy; you want someone who does more than just the bare minimum to ensure they get the highest quality care possible. When talking to a senior care agency about their services, ask them about their policies and procedures in the following areas:

1. Be aware of changes – seniors who are experiencing health changes, financial difficulty or other problems might begin to act differently. Often seniors who are experiencing problems might not be open about them due to embarrassment, but caregivers can speak with other family members if they notice anything unusual while spending time with their senior clients

2. Help address financial need – while it’s not a caregiver’s responsibility to pry into a senior’s finances, they can identify problems. If stacks of mail are piling up or collections calls are being received in the senior’s home, it’s possible bills aren’t getting paid. Again, a caregiver can approach this issue gently with the senior’s family, and suggest that a Power of Attorney be used if the issue appears to be that bad

3. Dispose of sensitive information – assist seniors by suggesting that they shred bills or other information that could compromise their safety

4. Know who is making healthcare decisions – caregivers should ensure that they have the contact information on hand for the family member or other individual for making these important decisions in case of a medical emergency

5. Suggest an advanced directive or living will – to help seniors secure their future wishes, suggest an advanced directive or living will so that their medical needs are fulfilled according to what they want

6. Determine how expenses will be paid – if the caregiver will be responsible for household purchases on behalf of the senior, it should be determined how this will be managed. Signed checks can be provided, seniors can open an expense account that the caregiver has access to, or if all expenses will be paid in cash provided

7. Be wary of strangers – caregivers should be wary of new friends that come into senior’s lives, especially if they are from a different generation. Seniors can become victims of scams because they are anxious to curb their loneliness with new social opportunities. With this in mind, caregivers should also work with seniors to investigate any charitable organizations or other causes seniors are thinking or donating to before a transaction is made

8. Provide a safe environment – in all circumstances, senior caregivers from a franchise should be responsible for identifying potential hazards in the household and ensuring that they are addressed to put their senior care recipient’s safety first.

Via: Keeping Seniors Safe

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

After a stroke, my mom lost her ability to speak. At first when she came home from a stay in a Pasadena hospital, the family was uncertain of how to communicate with her. As her primary caregiver, I felt it awkward being in a room with her all of a sudden, because it felt like she wasn’t there, so I would provide for her care and then go about my own business until there was something I needed to do for her again. Then one day it dawned on me; my mom might no longer be able to communicate with me…but the same person she had always been was still in there somewhere, and I was acting like she no longer existed.

We may no longer have been able to hold a conversation, but I would talk to my mom even if she couldn’t answer; walking her through things I was doing, or even telling her about the things that her grandchildren who no longer lived in Pasadena had been up to. I could see that she could still hear me, because her face would light up, in particular when I would update her on the life of a family member. My mom might no longer be able to talk to me about what she’s feeling; but she’s still in there, and she’s still her, regardless of whether or not her personality is able to come out.

Sources:

1. Aging Care

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Families in Pasadena all struggle with the decision of when it’s the right time to get help for an aging relative. No one wants to admit that someone they love is getting older, because that brings them face to face with the concept of mortality and the idea that the important person in their life might not be part of it for much longer. However, by suggesting home care when the time seems right, families can give their loved ones the benefit of safety and health in their own homes. There is no definite equation for when it’s the right time for home care, but some ideal situations can be used as signs that it might be time to start talking about it.

Situations when Home Care is Ideal

• Seniors who struggle with Activities of Daily Living – seniors who struggle with dressing, bathing, preparing meals, taking their medications, or keeping up with chores around the home are ideal candidates for in-home senior care

• Seniors with declining mobility – seniors who are having changes with their balance and mobility may be at a greater risk of falling or having an accident in the home when trying to perform ADLs . By hiring a caregiver, safety issues can be addressed and prevented through additional help

• Seniors who have had to give up driving – seniors who no longer drive for whatever reason, would greatly benefit from the help of a caregiver who can take them to run errands or to appointments

• Seniors who don’t have family nearby – seniors who have the above problems but do not have family nearby to help them can benefit from in home care when there’s no one else out there to help them

• Seniors who have come out of the hospital or rehab – after seniors have been released from the hospital or rehab program and are in recovery, it’s better for seniors to have the help of a caregiver so they don’t put too much of a burden on their bodies by trying to care for themselves or their homes

• Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia – safety may be an issue for seniors who struggle with their memories

Sources:

1. Elder Issues

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – What signs indicate that a caregiver might be feeling overwhelmed?

A- A number of bad habits may surface, which may at face value appear harmless but when combined, can indicate that a caregiver is feeling overwhelmed, burdened, or stressed-out by their caregiving responsibilities. A senior caregiver exhibiting these signs who does not actively address their habits can develop future problems which can lead to elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

If you or a caregiver you know in Pasadena is exhibiting any of the following signs, it may be time to take a step back or reconsider how to effectively manage your senior caregiving duties.

• Trying to do too much, resulting in not getting anything done
•  Doing the wrong thing, regularly
•  Procrastination, everyday
•  Having no clear cut goals
•  Improper or no planning
•  Not completing tasks
•  Negative self talk
•  Guilt trips
•  Lax hand washing
•  Holding in, or offering no support
•  Smoking
•  Drinking too much
•  Junk food, poor diet
•  Emotional eating
•  Too much caffeine
•  Compulsive spending
•  No time off
•  Sleep deprived
•  Constant bad temper
•  Can’t or won’t delegate
•  Disorganized
•  Holding breath
•  Can’t prioritize
•  Time management problems
•  Can’t make a decision

Sources:
1. Eldercare ABC Blog

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – I have noticed some signs that my elderly mother is struggling to live independently in her own home. While I have some ideas about home care, I do come from a large family in Pasadena and feel it’s important that I involve my siblings and immediate family in the decision making. What’s the best way to go about this?

A – Ask your immediate family to get together in Pasadena so that you can all discuss your concerns about your mother’s health and care. If not all siblings live close by, you can set-up a conference call so that everyone can be involved in discussing your mother’s care requirements. For the first meeting, don’t involve your mother, so you can talk openly about your concerns without upsetting her. Discussing eldercare requirements for a loved one, can be stressful, so keep the following tips in mind when planning your first family senior home care meeting.

1. Establish a goal for each meeting – the first meeting might be about discussing concerns, and making suggestions for how to proceed with home care

2. Invite only close relatives – invite your close siblings or other family members you feel must be involved, but try to keep numbers under 7 people

3. Allow each family member the chance to speak without interrupting

4. Share resources – each family member can bring information about your mother’s specific conditions or local resources that may be able to help

5. Have a moderator – invite a 3rd, impartial party like a counselor or Geriatric Care Manager to help keep the meeting on track if you feel there will be disputes about your mother’s care amongst family

Sources:

1. Elder Care Online

2. Suite101

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

To be a caregiver, you don’t have to live in the same city, or even in the same state as your elderly family member. Many family caregivers care for loved ones from long distances by coordinating care services, making care related decisions and monitoring the care being provided to their elderly family member from afar. While many long distance caregivers do rely on home care professionals or other members of the family to provide day-to-day care for the senior when necessary; long distance caregivers still play a substantial role in senior care.

What can you do as a long distance caregiver for your loved one?
•    Assess the care needs of your loved one by talking to them, other family members and friends nearby
•    When visiting, look for signs that they may be struggling to live independently. Signs may be exhibited on them personally or by looking at their home. Go with your instincts
•    Coordinate senior care services if necessary – hire a professional non-medical caregiver, arrange for transportation, meal preparation and medication reminders to help the senior live on their own
•    Keep a phone book for the senior’s local area, and a list of friends, family members and other people that you could call on in an emergency to help the senior
•    Offer to help with financial matters, or be appointed Power of Attorney to look after the senior’s assets or medical wishes should the situation arise
•    Learn about the senior’s condition
•    Be a supportive ear when they need to talk

Sources:
1.   Caregiver-Connect.ca
2.    HowtoCare

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

For many Pasadena seniors, arthritis is one of the unfortunate realities of getting older. Fortunately, there are arthritis therapies that can alleviate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the associated pain that seniors experience and tools which can assist with the physical challenges that can occur. Simple arthritic therapies can be incorporated into the daily life of a senior, like an exercise program as recommended by a doctor or therapist; using thermal therapies and ice therapies with ice packs or heating packs to relieve local pain, tension and muscle spasms; and rest using splits or supports, or laying down in bed. An occupational therapist can also help seniors to learn techniques to cope with their arthritis and complete tasks hard on the joint safely.

While Pasadena elder care professionals or family caregivers can assist seniors with day-to-day tasks, seniors who live independently at home and suffer from arthritis may benefit from use of assistive devices to help with tasks that are made to difficult by the arthritis like grasping, holding, getting dressed, walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking and driving. Assistive devices and gadgets are available online from websites like Comfort House, Dynamic Living, and Ableware.

Arthritis may create additional challenges for independent seniors, but with knowledge and understanding, it can be managed without a great impact on a senior’s chosen lifestyle.

Sources:
1.    About
2.    WebMD

Images: www.aidsforarthritis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Elder care emergencies can happen at anytime day or night. Unfortunately, senior care issues and medical emergencies just don’t operate on a standard 9-5 schedule. So what do you do if your elderly relative requires care assistance outside of regular business hours?

Many Pasadena senior home care providers offer live-in senior care, which ensures there is a caregiver available to address a senior’s every need 24/7. Others, like Home Instead Senior Care, guarantee that a caregiver is available on call when a senior needs them 24 hours per day. If you believe that the level of care required by a senior loved one requires the availability of 24 hour eldercare, make sure you do your research and ask the right questions when selecting a senior caregiving agency. Look at the rates closely, as some may charge a much greater cost for caregivers who work outside of normal business hours; and if your choice is to hire a live-in caregiver, ensure that background and reference checks are completed so you have a greater guarantee that they are trustworthy.

Obtaining 24 hour care for a senior in Pasadena is a big decision, so don’t take it lightly! Involve your elder in the decision process as appropriate, and be thorough!

Sources:
1.    Home Instead Senior Care
2.    ForElderCare

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.