Caregiving
Navigating Dementia in the Sunset Years
August 29, 2024
Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder which effects a large population in the U.S. According the study, over 3.4 million of Americans age 71 and older suffer from some sort of dementia, and in Florida alone over 580,000 people have been diagnosed with this disorder. Dementia is characterized by a number of symptoms. Signs typically include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as bathing, driving, or preparing meals
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Mood changes
- Change is personality
In many cases during early stages of development, Dementia symptoms can be decelerated by certain modifications in lifestyle and diet. Here are some of the changes that seniors can make to help avoid cognitive disorders.
- Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Stay active – take walks regularly, do chair exercises for seniors, or go for a light swim
- Avoid head trauma – wear helmet, when riding a bike or fasten seatbelt when driving a car
- Change diet to Mediterranean style – try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oils, and different fish varieties
- Keep mind active – solve different varieties of puzzles, try to learn a new language or play an instrument, or make crafts
- Maintain social interactions with family and friends
- Try to reduce stress
- Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Keep healthy sleep habits
Just Like Family Home Care is available to assist seniors during every stage of Dementia. Our team is specialized in
- Helping with everyday hygiene tasks and dressing
- Preparing healthy meals and feeding assistance
- Assisting with exercises and walking
- Administering medications
- Monitoring vitals
- Doing laundry and light housekeeping
- Transporting to doctors’ appointments and other events
- Companionship
- Helping stay connected with others
- Respite Care
Just Like Family Home Care provides professional support and care to seniors with Dementia to help them improve their quality of life while stay in their own homes. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
The Synergy Between Hospice Care and Just Like Family Home Care
July 29, 2024
Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals in the final stages of life, when aggressive treatment fails or no cure exists. It focuses to enhance the quality of life for patients by managing pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, rather than attempting to cure the illness. In addition, hospice offers emotional and spiritual support for both the patients and their loved ones. Hospice care can be provided in various settings, such as the patients’ homes, hospitals, nursing homes, or specialized hospice centers, with the most common being at home. Just Like Family Home Care works alongside hospice care to provide comprehensive support for patients. These are some of the ways in which we work together:
- Filling in the Gap in Care: Hospice agencies may not always provide continuous care due to various reasons. Professional caregivers can step in to assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, companionship, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. This support ensures continuity of care when families need more assistance than hospice can offer.
- Helping Discharged or Ineligible Patients: If patients’ conditions stabilize or get better, they may be discharged from hospice. Just Like Family Home Care offers a wide range of services to help patients remain safe and independent in their own homes, from assistance with daily living activities to transportation to doctor appointments.
- Supporting Family Caregivers: Just Like Family Home Care provides break for family members. Family can take a break while professional caregivers watch over the patient, ensuring their well-being and relieving stress.
Hospice care and Just Like Family Home Care work hand in hand to provide seniors comprehensive care. This integrated approach not only improves the patients’ quality of life but also provides vital support to their families, helping them navigate the complexities of end-of-life care of the loved ones.
Golden Years Sun Safety: Seniors and Skin Cancer Awareness
June 28, 2024
Skin cancer, the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly develops on areas exposed to the sun. However, it can also occur on less sun-exposed areas, such as the palms, beneath fingernails or toenails. As seniors age, their risk of developing skin cancer increases. Sun safety is very important, since one of the most preventable types of cancer is skin cancer. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Skin Cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, often appearing as a pearly or waxy bump.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Usually presents as a red, scaly patch or sore.
- Melanoma: The deadliest form, characterized by changes in moles or new growths.
Risk Factors for Seniors:
- Sun Exposure: Accumulated sun exposure over a time contributes to skin cancer risk.
- Age: Around 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- Fair Skin: Light-skinned individuals are at higher risk.
- Gender: More men over 55 develop melanoma.
How Just Like Family Home Care Can Help:
- Assistance with Dressing: Help seniors dress in sun protective clothing, such as lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover arms, shoulders, and legs, as well as wide-brimmed hat to protect face, ears, and neck.
- Assistance with Sunscreen: Help seniors apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, which is a highly recommended method of preventing skin cancer.
- Assistance with Appointments: Help seniors attend dermatology appointments for regular skin checks.
- Supportive Care: Provide emotional support during diagnosis and treatment.
Remember, one of the most preventable forms of cancer is skin cancer. An early detection and professional assistance play a vital role in management and treatment. Just Like Family Home Care plays an essential role in helping seniors maintain skin health and overall well-being.
Arthritis in Seniors
May 30, 2024
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. It primarily affects seniors and tends to worsen with age. It can have a major negative effect on seniors’ quality of life by impairing their capability to carry out everyday tasks and engage in social interactions. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for minimizing the impact of arthritis on seniors’ well-being. Just Like Family Home Care plays a vital role in helping seniors manage arthritis. These are some of the ways we can be of great service.
- Skilled Nursing Care: Just Like Family Home Care can provide professional nursing care. Seniors with arthritis can benefit from the assessment, care, and pain management techniques offered by registered nurses (RNs).
- Dietary Guidance: Just Like Family Home Care team can educate seniors about arthritis-friendly diets. We recommend avoiding pro-inflammatory meals like processed foods, sweets, and saturated fats and consuming anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, olive oil, and fatty fish.
- Support with Daily Life Activities: Just Like Family Home Care team can help seniors with bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. By minimizing joint stress during daily activities, seniors will experience less pain and discomfort.
- Emotional Level Support: Arthritis can influence seniors’ mental health. Just Like Family Home Care team can provide emotional support and companionship. We minimize elders’ sense of loneliness by listening to their worries and offering support.
Considering that every senior has different needs and preferences, personalized arthritis care is crucial. Just Like Family Home Care is able to modify support according to each person’s unique circumstances and degree of arthritis severity.
Aging in Place
February 27, 2024
Aging in place is the idea of growing older while remaining in one’s own home, rather than moving to a senior care facility. This choice is favored by many senior citizens since it preserves their comfort, familiarity, and independence. However, aging in place may also require some assistance. Just Like Family Home Care can provide various services to help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. A few of the main advantages of using Just Like Family Home Care to age in place include:
• Personalized care: Just Like Family Home Care is able to customize services, including the kind, frequency, and length of care, to meet the unique needs and preferences of elders. You can choose the caregivers you trust and feel comfortable with, and communicate with them directly about your expectations and feedback.
• Cost-effectiveness: Just Like Family Home Care can often provide care at a lower cost than institutionalized care, especially for long-term or chronic conditions.
• Improved health outcomes: Just Like Family Home Care can offer a range of health care services, such as medication management, wound care, care after surgery, monitoring of vital signs, injections, attending doctor appointments, and many more. By using these services, seniors can enhance their quality of life, avoid or treat health issues, and spend less time in hospitals or emergency rooms.
• Emotional well-being: Just Like Family Home Care can also support seniors’ emotional well-being by providing companionship, social interaction, and mental stimulation. We can help elderly cope with loneliness, depression, or anxiety, and enhance their self-esteem and dignity.
At Just Like Family Home Care we empower seniors to maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and grow old comfortably in their own homes.
Incontinence in Seniors
January 29, 2024
Incontinence is a common problem among seniors. About 75% of women over age 65 suffer with urine leakage, and 60-70% of people with Alzheimer’s eventually become incontinent. Incontinence can be caused by aging, illness, or injury. Weak muscles of the sphincters and pelvis can lead to urinary incontinence because the muscles cannot remain tight enough to hold urine in the bladder, or the bladder does not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in its proper position. Weak bladder muscles may also result in not being able to empty the bladder completely. Additionally, incontinence may be caused by medication interactions, vaginal or urinary tract infections, prostate problems and progressive diseases that lead to cognitive and physical decline.
Just Like Family Home Care can help seniors deal with incontinence by providing assistance with toileting, hygiene, incontinence products, and medication management. We can also provide transportation to doctor’s appointments and prescription pickups. Just Like Family Home Care can also offer emotional support and companionship to seniors who may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their incontinence. We can also help seniors stay connected with their friends and family by providing transportation assistance to social events and activities.
At Just Like Family Home Care we provide seniors, who are incontinent, with support they need to keep their dignity and self-confidence to continue being involved in life.
Help Seniors Overcome Holiday Loneliness
December 19, 2023
The Christmas holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and gratitude for many people. However, the holidays may also be a stressful, depressing, and lonely time for some seniors, particularly those who live alone or have few social connections. If you have a senior loved one who may be feeling isolated or depressed during this festive season, Just Like Family Home Care can help.
Just Like Family Home Care is a service that provides in-home care for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities, such as personal care, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, and companionship. Our caregivers are trained, compassionate, and reliable, and they can make a positive difference in the lives of seniors and their families.
Here are some of the ways that Just Like Family Home Care can help seniors during the Christmas holidays:
- Provide emotional support and social interaction. Our caregivers can visit seniors regularly and offer them a listening ear, a friendly conversation, and a warm smile. They can also engage seniors in meaningful activities, such as playing games, reading books, listening to music, or watching movies. These interactions can help seniors feel less lonely and more connected to others.
- Help seniors connect with their family and friends. Our caregivers can assist seniors with using technology, such as phone calls, video chats, or online platforms, to stay in touch with their loved ones. They can also help seniors send and receive cards, gifts, or photos, and share their holiday memories and wishes. These connections can help seniors feel more loved and appreciated.
- Assist seniors with participating in holiday traditions. Our caregivers can help seniors celebrate the holidays in ways that are meaningful to them. They can help seniors decorate their homes, bake cookies, wrap presents, or attend religious services. They can also accompany seniors to family gatherings or community events, and ensure their safety and comfort. These traditions can help seniors feel more festive and joyful.
- Help seniors access community resources and activities. Our caregivers can help seniors find and join local programs and services that can enhance their well-being, such as senior centers, places of faith, volunteer opportunities, or support groups. They can also help seniors enjoy the holiday spirit in their neighborhoods, such as visiting light displays, listening to carolers, or shopping at local markets. These resources and activities can help seniors feel more engaged and fulfilled.
Just Like Family Home Care can tailor its services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each senior, and ensure they receive quality care and attention during the holiday season and beyond. If you are interested in learning more about how Just Like Family Home Care can help your senior loved one, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy Veterans Day
November 10, 2023
Veterans Day is a special day to celebrate and appreciate the brave men and women who have served our country in the military. At Just Like Family Home Care, we are proud and honored to provide home health care services to veterans and their families. We believe that veterans deserve the best quality of care and respect for their service and sacrifice. That is why we offer a range of services and benefits that are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of veterans.
Some of the services and benefits that we offer to veterans include:
• A consultation and assessment to determine the level and type of care that is suitable for each veteran.
• A customized care plan that is designed to address the specific goals and challenges of each veteran, such as managing chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, coping with mental health issues, or enhancing independence and quality of life.
• A team of skilled and compassionate caregivers who are trained and experienced in working with veterans and their families. Our caregivers are carefully matched with each veteran based on their personality, interests, and background. Our caregivers also undergo regular evaluation to ensure that they deliver the highest standards of care and professionalism.
• A 24/7 support and communication system that keeps veterans and their family caregivers informed and involved in the care process. We provide regular updates and feedback on the progress and well-being of each veteran. We also welcome and encourage any questions, comments, or suggestions from veterans and their family caregivers. We are always available and ready to respond to any concerns or emergencies that may arise.
At Just Like Family Home Care, we are more than just a home health care provider. We are a partner and a friend to veterans and their families. We are committed to honoring and supporting veterans not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who have served us. Happy Veterans Day!
Happy Mother’s Day
May 11, 2023
Mother’s Day is a time to honor and thank our mothers for their love, care, and support throughout our lives. Just Like Family Home Care can help during Mother’s Day by providing various services and support to mothers who need assistance with their daily living or health care needs. Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have a senior mother in your life, you can make this day special and memorable by following some of these ideas:
- Enjoy a family meal. One of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day as a senior is to gather your family for a meal together. Just Like Family Home Care can help with preparing meals and doing light housekeeping for the mother, such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, doing laundry and dishes. The most important thing is to spend quality time with your loved ones and share stories and memories.
- Make or decorate cards. Making or decorating cards is a simple and meaningful activity that seniors can do. You can use paper, cardstock, or recycled materials such as magazines, newspapers, or cereal boxes. You can cut out shapes such as hearts, flowers, or butterflies and glue them on the cards.
- Attend a service or event. For many seniors, Mother’s Day is also a religious or cultural occasion that commemorates the role of mothers in society. Attending a service or event can help them reconnect with their faith and community. Just Like Family Home Care can help senior mother with mobility and transportation, such as getting in and out of bed, wheelchair or car and taking mother to her church or find a nearby church that offers a Mother’s Day service. We can also look for local events such as concerts, festivals, or workshops that celebrate mothers and women.
- Plant some flowers or herbs. Planting some flowers or herbs can help seniors enjoy the beauty of nature and feel hopeful about the future. Seniors can water and care for their plants and watch them grow and flourish.
- Play some games. Playing some games is a fun and festive way to celebrate Mother’s Day as a senior. Just Like Family Home Care can offer companionship and emotional support to the mother by playing various games such as bingo, trivia, charades, or board games. You can also make some prizes such as chocolates, candles, or books for the winners. Playing games can help seniors exercise their brains, improve their mood, and bond with others.
These are some of the ways that Just Like Family Home Care can help during Mother’s Day. We can make your mother feel comfortable, cared for and appreciated on this special day.
Hurricane Preparation Tips for Seniors
September 26, 2022
Hurricane Ian is a reminder that emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning. Forcing us to evacuate our neighborhood or staying home for several days. Are you prepared in the event of flooding or power outage? Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. You can deal with disaster better by preparing in advance and by working with those in your support network: your family, neighbors, friends, or at-home caretaker.
When a hurricane threatens, seniors are especially vulnerable. It’s important for anyone living in Southwest Florida to consider hurricane preparedness, but seniors face extra challenges. Isolation, limited mobility, and medical needs. Older adults can eliminate many of the post-hurricane hardships by taking a few simple steps.
Get a Hurricane Emergency Kit
Disasters can strike at any time. Planning ahead can avoid waiting in long lines for crucial supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, and you will also have essential items in case of evacuation.
For your safety and comfort, have a disaster supply kit packed and ready in one place before a hurricane hits. Make sure to include water, perishable food, a flashlight, medications, sanitation and personal hygiene items, documents, whistle, and one change of clothing. Consider a battery-powered fan to avoid heat exhaustion. Assemble enough supplies to last for at least three days and store your emergency kit in an easy-to-carry backpack or duffel bag.
Discuss a plan with family, community, and friends
Explain your concerns to your family and others in your support network and work with them as a team to prepare. It’s best to not stay by yourself, but if you must, arrange for someone to check on you at the time of a disaster. Be sure to include any caregivers in your meeting and planning efforts. Assess yourself and your household. What personal abilities and limitations may affect your response to a disaster? Think about how you can resolve these or other questions and discuss them with your family and friends.
Keep physical copies of personal and emergency information
Nowadays we rely on our cell phones for vital formation like emergency phone numbers and contacts. A power outage means we won’t be able to charge our phones, limiting our access to this information. Write down emergency contacts and phone numbers. Include the numbers of those in your support network, like a caretaker or nurse. Remember that in some emergencies telephone lines might not be working, so consider having alternative plans for contacting those in your network. Keep copies of vital family records and other important documents. These include birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial, insurance and immunizations records in a safe, water resistant location, or a safe-deposit box.
When the Storm Strikes
Stay where you are and make yourself as safe as possible until the storm passes, unless you are told to evacuate. In some emergencies such as a severe flooding you will need to know how to seal your home for safety. Shutters and sandbags can be used to stop water from getting inside. The National Weather Service typically issues hurricane advisories within 24-36 hours of a tropical storm threat. Stay in your home and listen to your television or radio for emergency messages or updates on any new weather patterns. Be prepared to evacuate or be on your own and have additional food and water for three to seven days.
Public Shelters
Southwest Florida has multiple public shelters available during hurricanes. Public schools, churches and relief organizations, like the American Red Cross, may open shelters if a disaster affects a large number of people or the emergency is expected to last several days.
Be prepared to go to a shelter if
- Your residence is close to body of water
- Your residence is in a flooding zone
- You depend on uninterrupted power
- Police or other local officials tell you to evacuate
Home Caregivers—Special Considerations
If you’re a caregiver for a senior loved one, particularly one who lives alone, supporting them with hurricane preparedness is undoubtedly a priority. Prepare a disaster supply kit for any family member who cannot do so on their own. If your loved one receives home care, speak with the caretaker or nurse to see what their role would be in case of an emergency at home or if evacuation is indicated. Develop a at-home emergency plan and an evacuation plan.
Plan for those with Disabilities
Your oxygen provider can help you obtain a backup cylinder, a portable tank, and necessary supplies in the event of an evacuation if you use oxygen. Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in a designated place so they can be found quickly. This step is essential for those who have home-health caregivers, particularly for those who are bed bound. Find out where the closest shelter is located and transport available in case an evacuation is needed, especially if your family member requires an uninterrupted power source for survival.
When a hurricane does strike, it’s important to know that you and your loved one are safe and adequately prepared. Need help assembling a hurricane disaster kit, or practicing your emergency/evacuation plan? Just like Family Home Care is here to help.
For additional information, visit Florida Hurricane Preparedness Resources to help you make an emergency plan and be prepared!