Caregiving Archives | Just Like Family Home Care

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.

September 26, 2022

SWFL pier during a Hurricane. Flooding

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!

August 30, 2022

hospital patient

Most hospital patients aren’t fully recovered when they leave — especially after surgery or a complex procedure. Although having them back at home is comforting and relieving, the transition period can be overwhelming. Your loved one’s recovery from hospital discharge to home is crucial, but they will need to adjust to certain factors such as environment, people, and routine.

As a result, you and your family need to understand and prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips that will help you or your loved have a successful post-surgery recovery.

Make sure you understand the hospital discharge process

As the expert on your loved one, you play a crucial role in their post-surgery care. Make sure to be prepared and do some research beforehand, finding this article means you are on the right track! Understanding why your loved one was hospitalized can also help you understand what symptoms to look out for once you are home, along with what to expect in the future. When your loved one is given his or her discharge paperwork, review the summary and make sure you don’t have additional questions. Be sure to meet with the discharge planners during the discharge process. Discharge planners are dedicated professionals who help hospitals plan for a safe discharge.

Understand the medication, symptoms and side effects

Having a clear understanding of how long it will take for symptoms to improve, what types of setbacks are typical, and when you should reengage medical attention is crucial. To be able to take good care of yourself or your loved one–properly and accurately, you need to be aware and understand every single detail in regards to their medication. This can be considered the most important factor to keep in mind when you get to bring your loved one back home.

Ensure your loved one’s space is well prepared and comfortable before they arrive

Hospitals are known to be clean, well-sanitized, and comfortable. It will be much easier for you or your loved one to adjust if the surroundings are similar. Before your loved one heads home, make any necessary changes, so you will feel more prepared and the house will seem calmer. A clean and comfortable environment will help your loved one recover physically and emotionally.

Be ready to provide extra care or need extra care

When someone has been hospitalized, you can always assume that they will need extra assistance and supervision following their discharge. Even in the best-case scenario, older adults usually require time and patience to return to their routine. If you are welcoming a family member to your home, make sure that anyone else living with you is ready for new adjustments and willing to help out.

If your loved one usually lives alone, plan on having someone stay with him or her for at least the first week. If you need help finding someone, contact us today to find a post-hospital caregiver that fits you or your loved one.

Look for a post-operative caregiver if you are not sure you can do it alone

In order to take proper care of your loved one, you must consider looking for a reliable caregiver. This will help you make things easier and more comfortable for your loved one. Some doctors recommend families to look for professional caregivers especially when the family has no medical background. Just Like Family Home Care has nurses available to offer superior care directly in your home or temporary accommodation setting. Our flexible hours are designed to meet the needs of our clients following surgery, as we understand how difficult it may be to anticipate how much care you may require. To learn more about daily care, extended hours, and post-operative care, click here.

Make sure to arrange a follow-up check up with a primary-care doctor

To make sure the transition and recovery process is going well and smoothly, it is recommended to set an appointment with a doctor after a couple weeks of staying at home. In this case, you will be aware if you or your loved one is in need of treatment or extra medication or if they are doing pretty well.

Taking home a former hospital patient might be challenging at first. Surgery is a major decision that requires a lot of research and planning. Post-operative care is just as important. Just Like Family is tailored to those who are seeking the best in nursing care and know the peace of mind that comes with having assistance following surgery.

June 24, 2022

The final stage of life is challenging, even for caregivers with lots of experience. If your loved one is in their final days of life, the only gift you can give them is the best care to improve their comfort and quality of life.

End-of-life care involves acts of daily care and lots of physical, mental and emotional support to your loved one during their last days on earth. The primary goal is to make them more comfortable, at least for the remaining days, months or years. Here’s all you need to know about end-of-life care.

When does someone need late-stage and end-of-life care?

No one knows exactly when they’ll need end-of-life care. It all depends on the individual and the progressions of the disease. However, anyone with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness is eligible for end-of-life care.

Also, older adults in their golden days can benefit from late-stage care. Terminal care may last a few days, months, or even years, depending on the individual.

End-of-life signs

Facing your loved one’s final moments in life can be scary – especially if it’s your first time. However, knowing what to expect can help you feel less anxious and better prepared. This allows you to make your loved one’s final days less painful and more comfortable.

While everyone has a unique end-of-life experience, some changes and signs cut across.

Here are some common end-of-life signs;

Loss of appetite

Energy needs decline as the body shuts down. Hence, your loved one won’t be taking certain foods, especially those that are hard to chew and digest. Unfortunately, this can be upsetting for you as a caregiver because a considerable part of caregiving involves feeding your loved one.

Shortness of breath/labored breathing

Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath are common symptoms of end of life. Some people might experience air hunger – a petrified inclination to breathe better. Additionally, people may experience Cheyne-strokes breathing – loud breathing with a peculiar rattle. This usually stems from an unstable ventilatory control as the brain or heart fails.

Physical weakness

Since your loved one takes less food, they’ll lack the energy to do every day, physical activities like putting clothes on, walking long distances, or even lifting things. Sometimes, even speaking becomes a challenge. As a result, you may need to help your loved one find an every day routine that works for them.

Pain

End-of-life pain is common in most people, although some become accustomed to it. However, the type and amount of pain will vary depending on the individual and their health condition. For instance, if they have cancer, they are more likely to experience pain during their final days.

End-of-life care considerations

Working closely with your hospice agency and your loved one’s physician, caregivers can provide the care and support the family needs during this difficult transition. When a loved one is in their last days of life, it’s imperative to treat them with respect, follow their late-stage wishes, and ensure they are comfortable.

The type and amount of care vary depending on the individual health and progression of the disease. Ideally, these people need care in four areas:

Physical comfort in end-of-life care

Comfort care is an essential part of medical care at the end of life. It is care that helps or soothes a person who is experiencing physical discomfort stemming from various sources.

Make sure they are seated or laying down in a comfortable space. If they experience breathing problems, open a window or use a fan or humidifier to circulate air in the room. Additionally, it would help if you raise the head of the bed to ease breathing.

Furthermore, offer favorite foods in small amounts to prevent digestive or loss of appetite problems.

Managing mental and emotional needs during end-of-life

Most people in their late stages of life experience mental and emotional distress. Some have specific concerns and fears that could lead to depression or anxiousness.

Therefore, as a caregiver, you should provide support to help manage emotional and mental distress.

Some tips for managing emotional and mental distress include;

Set a relaxing mood – find out the things that raise your loved one’s mood. For instance, if they don’t want visitors, ensure no one enters their room.
Physical contact – sometimes you’ll feel scared holding your loved one during their late stages. However, you should establish a physical connection with them, perhaps holding hands or massaging.
Be present – the greatest gift to a dying person is your presence. So make sure you’re always available to talk or listen to what they say.
Play some music – music at low tones can lessen pain while allowing the patient to relax. Therefore, suggest playing music and find out which music they prefer.
Involve them – In most cases, you’ll make most of the decisions and choices on behalf of your loved one. However, if they can still communicate, try to involve them in most matters. For instance, you might ask which food they want, which clothes to wear, how to make them more comfortable.

Alternatively, you might consider a counselor familiar with end-of-life issues.

Support for practical tasks

Someone nearing end-of-life can’t perform everyday tasks like bathing, walking, eating, and changing clothes. And since some of the activities are essential, you want to ensure they get enough support for practical tasks.

Benefits of hiring an end-of-life caregiver

End-of-life care focuses on improving the quality of life of your loved one during their final stage in life. But sometimes, you might need some help to provide the best care for your loved one. This is where a caregiver comes in. There are various benefits of hiring an end-of-life caregiver.

First, end-of-life caregivers have lots of experience caring for people in their final days. They have been trained to provide adequate care regardless of individual conditions. They know what to do, when to do it and how to do it perfectly.

Additionally, end-of-life caregivers provide support to family members and carers during late-stage and even after death. They will be there with you to provide physical and emotional support to you and your loved ones.

End-of-life services

We understand the end-of-life stage is an emotional time for you, friends and other family members. That’s why you should work with your loved one’s physician and caregivers to get the best care and support during this challenging transition.

Some of our end-of-life care services include;

Bed baths
Personal hygiene assistance
Compassionate support
Feeding assistance
Nurse-deligated meds administration
Assist with comfort measures

Final thoughts

It’s hard and painful to watch a loved one during their final days on earth. However, knowing what to expect and how to provide late-stage care can make a difference. End of life focuses on minimizing pain and improving comfort and quality of life during the final moments of your loved one.

If you cannot take care of your loved one during end-of-life, we can refer a qualified home health caregiver. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a representative.

December 13, 2021

Did you know it’s estimated that 20.4% of adults in the United States live with chronic pain? Managing chronic pain on your own can be difficult enough, but it’s even trickier for people trying to assist in pain management for their elderly loved ones.

Chronic pain in older adults is a serious issue, but it’s one that doesn’t get a lot of attention. Chronic pain assistance at home is possible for your beloved seniors, you just have to know the right ways to handle it.

If you’re interested in the best pain control for seniors, we have some tips that can help ensure that your loved one is getting the help that they need.

Keep a Journal

You and your loved one won’t have trouble remembering tomorrow just how bad today’s pain was. Unfortunately, your memory when you visit the doctor in 3 weeks may not be as sharp.

For doctors to treat chronic pain, they need as much information about what’s happening as possible. Get in the habit of keeping a health journal that helps answer all of the doctor’s most pressing questions.

When you’re writing a health journal there’s no such thing as being too detailed. You can include nearly anything you want in yours, but be sure that you cover a few important areas:

Time of day pain occurs
Diet and exercise routine
Current and past prescribed medications
Time of day medication is taken
Severity of pain

Stay in the Know

Get out of the habit of just organizing and giving out medication if you want to be an effective caretaker for your loved one. Take the time to educate yourself on what each medication is for and how it could affect them.

When you have a complete understanding of everything your loved one takes and how they’re meant to work, you’re able to make better-informed health care choices.

People tend to mistakenly believe that doctors are in constant communication with each other about their patients. Most of the time, doctors won’t know if any major change has occurred unless they hear it from the patients themselves.

See Signs of Pain

Pain doesn’t look or feel the same way for everyone. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your loved one is going to experience pain the same way each time.

Sometimes pain can be quick and come on in an intense sharp feeling. Other times it can feel like a dull ache that comes and goes. It’s even possible that your loved one may not be experiencing “pain”, but may have other signs that show their pain is getting worse like tingling or numbness.

Your loved one may try to hide how much pain they’re in. They may not want to concern you and be worried about putting on a brave face for their friends and family.

Look for signs of discomfort in your loved one. Heavy or shallow breathing, frequent movement or readjusting in a sitting position, or small sounds like whimpers and grunts can be a sign that they’re in pain.

Don’t be afraid to ask your loved one how they’re feeling if you see signs of pain. Once they see that you notice how they’re acting they may feel comfortable being honest about how they’re feeling.

Don’t Ignore Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can play an important role in healing from injuries and managing chronic pain. Despite its importance, it can often be one of the first things patients tend to ignore.

Since patients are in pain they’re reluctant to do any physical work, even though it plays an important role in healing. Others may not want to travel to physical therapy centers or could worry about the cost of treatments.

Talk to your loved one’s doctor about physical therapy exercises that can be done at home. Making sure your loved one is doing the right exercises at home can help keep them happy and healthy.

Remember, it’s okay to try new forms of physical therapy if your loved one doesn’t like the routine they already have. Yoga, swimming, and even walking can be helpful physical therapy.

Think About Pain Management Alternatives

People tend to look at medication and alternative pain management as an either/or situation. The truth is that both methods should be used together. Using both together can lead to much better outcomes than using one or the other.

Talk to your loved one and their doctor about alternative pain management techniques. Chiropractors, acupuncture, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques can do wonders for pain management.

Also, be sure to talk to a doctor about the best way to weave alternative pain management into their medication regiment. They may recommend that you change the time your loved one takes medication or could adjust the dosage.

Chronic Pain Assistance at Home the Right Way

When you’re looking for ways to manage chronic pain assistance at home, staying organized and in the know is important. Tracking symptoms, staying active, and identifying signs of trouble all play a critical role in managing pain.

Managing chronic pain can be a lot for patients and their loved ones to handle. Don’t hesitate to bring in outside help if you think you could benefit from it. Home health aides can help your loved one with taking medication, doing physical therapy, and more.

Do you want to find home health help for your loved one? Are you wondering if home help is right for you? Do you have other questions about pain management in seniors? Contact our reps so we can answer all of your important senior health questions.

May 10, 2021

Now that 75 percent of the U.S. senior population have been vaccinated against COVID-19, let’s talk about the damaging effects the pandemic has had on the mental health and wellbeing of our senior loved ones.

It shouldn’t surprise us that isolation and loneliness can have significant negative effects on the health of seniors. Lonely seniors suffer a 59 percent higher risk of mental and physical health decline and a 45 percent greater risk of dying early, one study showed.

The positive impact of companionship and staying social on seniors is significant. Research suggests that staying active and forming close relationships with caregivers can have meaningful health benefits for seniors, including lower rates of chronic illness and increased longevity.

Just Like Family Home Care offers companion care to provide your senior loved one companionship, personal safety, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Read on to learn more about how companion care can offer you and your loved one a better quality of life.

What Is Companion Care?

Companion care provides seniors with a variety of services from emotional support, companionship, to making life’s daily tasks more manageable.

A home companion can help with things like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, taking packages to the post office, driving, and light housework. Tasks like laundry, stocking the refrigerator with nutritious foods, and making sure seniors take their medications on schedule are all things a companion can do.

Most importantly, though, they offer a meaningful and trusting friendship for your loved one.

Nothing has greater benefits for seniors than being part of a community. Deep, meaningful relationships with other people are key to good health. When you look at your own life, what brings you the most joy and sense of wellbeing? For most of us, it’s having a sense of belonging and a good friend to talk to about our experiences.

Aging in Place vs. Residential Care

Seniors often move to nursing homes and residential care facilities because they think they will be safer and healthier. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case. Studies show residents of nursing homes and senior living centers suffer worse health outcomes than seniors who are able to age in place.

In fact, depression in residential care facilities can be as high as 44 percent.

One study found that 90 percent of seniors over the age of 65 would prefer to age in place at home rather than move to a residential care facility. Aging in place means seniors can maintain their independence in an environment that is familiar and comfortable for them.

In addition to providing better social opportunities, aging in place is more affordable than nursing homes.

Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of home companion care.

What Are the Benefits of Home Care?

Generally, seniors are shown to live a longer, healthier life when allowed to age at home with a companion. Next, we’ll dig into the variety of ways home care benefits seniors.

Better Overall Health and Longevity

Statistics show that seniors require 25% fewer doctor visits when they have home care.

Seniors enjoy spending time with a quality caregiver they know and trust. They have better nutrition, lower stress levels, a sense of belonging, and better social engagement.

Loneliness affects physical health in many ways. Seniors who experience isolation are often more likely to contract serious illnesses. Some of these include lung disease, arthritis, and loss of mobility.

Lonely seniors are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Some of these behaviors may include alcohol consumption, excessive eating, under-eating, and smoking.

Loneliness makes seniors spend more time indoors. A companion is a great way to encourage seniors to get outside and do light exercise on a regular basis. Lack of exercise can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiac issues.

Companion care also prevents dementia. Seniors who suffer from loneliness have a 64 percent higher risk of dementia and memory loss.

Home Care Is Actually More Affordable

Did you know $25 billion a year in hospital costs is saved thanks to home care? In an assisted living center, a bed in a shared room will typically cost between $10,000 to $20,000 a year. A private room can cost more than $75,000.

We have good news. Many insurance providers now cover the cost of home care services as part of Medicare plans. Seniors can take advantage of Medicare coverage to help pay for in-home help on a part-time basis.

Medicare now covers part-time, in-home nursing care and home health aide care. This applies only when a doctor orders it.

Read more about the potential savings of aging in place.

The Positive Impact of Companionship and Staying Social on Seniors

Engaging in social activities can help keep us sharp and mentally stimulated. Mental stimulation can help to prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Socialization and companionship allow us to maintain better emotional health. Connecting with others helps keep us in a positive mood, which decreases the risk of depression.

A care companion can even help to expand seniors’ circle of friends by exposing them to new experiences and social situations. Meeting new people is a much less anxious experience when you have a trusted friend by your side.

Who Else Benefits From Home Care?

We can’t stress enough the positive impact of companionship and staying social on seniors. Now that we understand the benefits of home care on seniors, it’s important that we talk about the benefits home care can have on the people who love and care about them most.

The benefit of companion care on the mental and emotional health of family members can’t be understated. You deserve to rest easy, knowing your loved one is safe, healthy, happy, and thriving. At Just Like Family Home Care, this is exactly the kind of service we can help you find.

May 1, 2021

The COVID-19 availability of vaccines will substantially reduce the risks of serious side effects associated with the virus.

According to the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Outdoor events and activities are still safer than indoor activities, but fully vaccinated people can safely participate in some indoor activities. When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.

Do you need help finding the perfect nurse or caregiver to help you with new activities? We can connect you to a variety of caregivers. Whether you need home health aids or live in-person care, you can visit our services page to see how we can help you.

We’ve put together eight activities to do after getting vaccinated in Florida.

1. Host a Family Game Night Indoors or Outdoors

Invite your family members over for game night! You can get creative with your time together. You can host a casino night, ask everyone to bring their favorite board game, or have a classic trivia night, putting family members into teams and asking a range of questions.

You can also take the games outdoors, make your favorite snacks or drinks. Frisbee or cornhole is a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time! Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing small bags of corn kernels at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These are available to purchase online.

2. Have an Outdoors Barbecue

There’s nothing more comforting than a typical Barbecue with the family. Hot dogs, burgers, or vegetables on a grill. If you want to get creative, there are thousands of recipes online to try out. Don’t forget the corn-on-the-cob for a classic summer meal.

Consider sampling dishes from all over the world. You can marinate meat in spice mixes like za’atar and Chinese five-spice. Don’t forget to make some classic summer beverages like Arnold Palmers or lemonade.

3. Go Out for a Walk

Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way. Put on your shoes and head out for a walk.

You can go to a park. The state of Florida has eleven separate national parks you can visit for free. See natural wonders like the Big Cypress Swamp and historical monuments like the Castillo de San Marcos.

If you’re near a beach, head out and walk along the water. Bringing a basket with snacks might be a great way for a spontaneous picnic!

4. Go to a Museum

When was the last time you visited a history museum or an art museum? Museums are now open. Many are asking for reservations to keep their crowd sizes down.

Nearly all museums are asking patrons to wear masks inside and maintain social distancing. There may be exterior sections where you can take your mask off, but prepare to keep one on throughout your visit.

Museums may not be handing out audio guides or printed materials. Printing out a map might be helpful.

5. Visit a Nature Reserve

Nature reserves are great locations to bring the whole family. Children can play sports while adults can relax or hike. Adults and kids can join together to look at wildflowers or exotic animals.

You can find reserves by the water, or you can head inland. As with museums, you should check to see if you need to make reservations.

Some reserves offer special events. Organizations like the Sierra Club schedule walks and environmental programs in many locations. Check their website before heading out.

6. Engage in Active Learning

If you’re looking for senior activities, you can pursue active learning. Community centers offer plenty of free or cheap classes for a range of subjects. You can learn how to sing, speak another language, or program computers.

Many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness. Classes provide a great opportunity to socialize and work together on projects.

The whole family can take a class together. Arts and crafts classes allow young and old people alike to learn how to paint, sew, and make sculptures. You can then take the art home.

7. Dine at a Restaurant

Many restaurants offer outdoor and indoor dining options. If you want to look out at the sky or natural environment, find a restaurant that provides outdoor seating.

Consider a restaurant that gets local ingredients from the community. Eating outdoors while looking at fields where plants were gathered adds an authentic touch to the meal.

8. Consider Companion Care

Are you ready to return to the activities you did before the pandemic, but don’t want to do it alone? Staying social but feeling safe at the same time might feel difficult at first.

Just Like Family Home Care’s services in Lee and Collier Counties can help seniors return to their favorite activities. Caregivers will accompany and drive you or your loved ones to community social events, the beach, the park, museums, or appointments. Caregivers can also engage with clients through mentally stimulating board games, cards, or puzzles.

Learn more about our Companion Care services here.

March 25, 2021

Older adults with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms.

This has been a hard time for seniors and their family members. COVID has left many seniors isolated in their homes, unable to see family and friends.

Home care providers offer essential services during the pandemic. Traditionally, caregivers assist with vital tasks such as dressing, bathing, medication reminders, grocery shopping, and preparing meals. Now, caregivers have another important job — protecting seniors from COVID-19.

Here’s more information about how caregivers can help during the pandemic.

How Your Caregiver Can Help

As the nation’s most vulnerable group, caregivers can offer senior health guidance as well as emotional support during this scary time. Here are the services you can expect when hiring in-home caregivers during COVID-19.

Communicate With Loved Ones

There are some seniors who haven’t seen their family and friends in a year due to the pandemic. If seniors don’t have a full grasp of technology, they may not be able to effectively communicate with their loved ones.

Caregivers can find creative ways for seniors to communicate with family and friends. From video chats sharing pictures, caregivers can help a senior set up their mobile device for multiple communication tactics.

Some seniors prefer the old-school way of communicating, such as sending letters and cards. If a senior is unable to write, their caregiver can write their message and send the letters and cards.

Proper Hygiene and Cleaning

Keeping seniors safe is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first place to start is by cleaning and sanitizing the home regularly. But not all seniors can commit to a regular cleaning schedule. Fortunately, caregivers can properly clean a senior’s home and disinfectant any high-touch surfaces.

Some high-touch surfaces they will clean include:

Light switches

Doorknobs

Cabinets

Counters

Remote controls

Phones

Handles

Faucet

Toilet

In addition, a caregiver can make sure seniors are properly bathed, can do their laundry, and make sure they wash their hands regularly.

Maintain a Routine

While in isolation, following a routine can be difficult. This is especially true for seniors, specifically those with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers know the importance of following a routine, so they will help seniors with their daily tasks.

Seniors also appreciate a caregiver’s routine visit. They feel safe with their caregiver and knowing their caregiver will visit at specific times will provide comfort.

Provides Comfort to Families

Keeping seniors safe during COVID-19 is a priority for loved ones. Unfortunately, this means families can’t or shouldn’t visit their senior loved ones, which causes a lot of worrying. This is especially true in regard to medical emergencies, when their loved ones may not be there to help.

Knowing a caregiver is there daily can help loved ones feel at peace. In case there is a medical emergency, their loved ones have someone there to respond to the situation.

The caregiver will also be a family’s point of contact to ensure everything is going smoothly with their family member. Caregivers can check for signs of COVID-19 and other medical conditions. In addition, caregivers will make sure seniors are mentally healthy, not showing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Running Errands

Caregivers can also do a lot for seniors even if they’re not at their house. While there are many grocery delivery services, seniors can save money by having their caregivers deliver their groceries. They can also keep them stocked up on their medications, disinfectants, cleaning supplies, and more.

What to Ask a Caregiver Before Hiring Them

A caregiver can provide many benefits to seniors during the time of COVID-19. But you’ll need to choose the best caregiver. Here are some essential questions to ask to know you’re choosing the right caregiver.

What Care Do You Think Is Necessary?

While caregiving is usually necessary, some caregiving in-person visits are discouraged unless the senior needs these services in their day-to-day lives. Caregivers still need to limit their time in person and only provide necessary services.

Because of this, it’s essential you ask what services a caregiver will provide during this time. These usually include delivering medication, groceries, and assisting your loved one with tasks they can’t do on their own.

What Precautions Are You Taking?

While your caregiver prioritizes your and your loved one’s safety, they should also practice their own precautions.

Your caregiver should wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and undergo regular COVID screenings. The caregiver should always wear a mask, at the least, and many also wear a face shield for extra protection.

All caregivers go through different precautions. Be sure to discuss how they prepare to protect you and your loved one as well as themselves.

What’s My or My Loved One’s Care Plan?

All caregivers will create a care plan for you or your loved one, and it’s recommended you know what plan to expect. This usually includes days and times for grocery shopping, a regular cleaning routine, and when and how you’ll stay connected to loved ones.

Your caregiver should create this plan based on current CDC guidelines. They will also include emergency contacts in this plan.

When Is Telehealth a Better Option?

If you or your loved one are able to stay independent, telehealth caregiving may be a better option.

Some popular telehealth methods include video calls, phone calls, health apps, email, and more. Caregivers will check in regularly to make sure you or your loved one are handling your necessities, are taking any necessary medications, and aren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Home Assistance Protecting Seniors in Florida From COVID-19

Caregivers are necessary if you or your loved one aren’t or are only partially independent. They can monitor seniors’ health, help them perform vital daily tasks, and run errands for them.

But now, home assistance protecting seniors in Florida from COVID-19 is more vital than ever. That’s why it’s essential to hire the best caregivers.

Do you need help finding the perfect caregiver? We can connect you to a variety of caregivers. Whether you need home health aids or live in-person care, you can visit our services page to see how we can help you.

November 13, 2020

Home care professional checking elderly woman's vitals

As more members of the population reach their Golden Years, a growing number of families are finding the need for long-term, in-home care.

When it comes to long-term care, you have several options. You can hire an individual that you find in a registry, online, or through a friend. Alternatively, you can hire a licensed caregiving agency.

You could hire an independent caregiver by looking on Craigslist or asking your friends or family members for referrals. However, how would you know if a care provider is well-qualified to care for your family member? Instead, it’s faster and safer to find an independent caregiver through a top-notch registry.

To learn more about the benefits of a care provider registry versus an in-home care agency, keep reading.

Why Should I Use an in-Home Care Agency Registry Service?

When it comes to caring for your loved one, it’s important to know the difference between the various alternatives for finding skilled medical staff. Hiring an independent caregiver will save you a great deal of money. However, how do you know if an independent caregiver is trustworthy and qualified for the job?

If you need to provide ongoing in-home care for a loved one, you may wonder, “Should I hire an in-home care agency?” Agencies train, vet, and insure their staff members—however, an independent caregiver is much more affordable.

The solution is to find a trustworthy registry for in-home care. Of course, you need to find a registry with a stellar reputation.

A registry can help you locate and hire qualified, compassionate caregivers as needed. They can provide you with access to trustworthy, experienced healthcare professionals available for four- or five-day shifts. A reliable registry can even help you to find around-the-clock in-home care if needed.

Are In-Home Care Agencies Worth It?

When your loved one doesn’t receive proper care, many things can go wrong. A premier registry provides you with a series of checks and balances.

For example, the personal issues of an independent caregiver can result in a major problem. A registry will make sure that a professional caregiver is always available to provide care.

Imagine that you hire an independent caregiver from an online ad to watch over your aging loved one. Early one morning, you receive a call. It’s your caregiver.

Unfortunately, their car will not start. Now, you have no one to watch over your family and provide needed care.

At the same time, you’re in charge of running an important meeting at work. You can’t stay at home, but you can’t go to work. What will you do?

If you hired an independent caregiver, you’d have to do your best to find a replacement—and fast. If you can’t accomplish this task, you’ll miss out on assuming your important work responsibilities. You may face the same situation if an independent caregiver becomes sick.

With a registry, however, you have options. A professional caregiving registry can provide you with a backup caregiver.

A full-service in-home care agency can do the same. However, the cost of maintaining staff through a full-service agency can quickly spiral out of control. Alternatively, hiring an independent caregiver through a registry is a much more cost-effective option.

In-Home Care Agency Versus Home Care Registry

Already, you can see the problems that might arise from working with a single independent caregiver. Life happens. People get sick and have problems.

Also, everyone needs a break now and again. A registry will ensure that you can meet these needs.

However, a top-notch registry will also make sure that their caregivers update their skills continually. Conversely, there’s no guarantee that an independent caregiver you find online or through a friend will pursue continuing education.

Choosing a caregiver with a great personality is a good idea. However, it’s also important that a caregiver has the requisite skills to care for your loved one. A caregiver with more personality than skill may end up doing more harm than good.

At the same time, you don’t want to have a revolving door of caregivers. Patients like stability. However, it’s reassuring to know that you can easily access a backup care provider if there’s an emergency.

Still, vetting is the most important benefit of working with a registry. In-home care registries conduct detailed background checks.

Some malicious actors enter caregiving to take advantage of elderly patients. Fortunately, professional registries screen their staff members to ensure that the caregivers who come to your home are safe. A registry, however, enables you to access full-service care—without full-service costs.

Trust a Registry to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe and Healthy

Like most people, you most likely have a life full of responsibilities. At the same time, you must care for and protect your loved one. You must also provide them with companionship.

Today, most people want to age in place. In other words, they want to live their senior years in a home that they love, surrounded by family. An exceptional home healthcare registry can enable your loved one to do just that.

A skilled home care registry will provide you and your family with peace of mind. They’ll give you easy access to independent healthcare professionals who deliver service with compassion and respect.

Most importantly, they’ll make sure that all caregivers are qualified to provide the very best care. An agency will also ensure that you can trust select caregivers to provide safe care for your family.

Don’t Wait! Find the Perfect Caregiver Today

Now that you know the benefits of hiring an independent caregiver through a registry over choosing an in-home care agency, you need a known and trusted registry.

Just Like Family Home Care is your solution for accessing skilled and vetted independent caregivers as needed. We can help you find high-quality healthcare professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact a friendly Just Like Family Home Care rep today at 239-431-6661 or connect with us online. We’re waiting and ready to help you locate the best in-home care available for your loved one.

October 13, 2020

Are you wondering if it’s time to get your elderly loved one the help they need? Do you often find yourself thinking about whether or not to hire a live-in care provider to watch them? If so, then you should consider the signs it’s time to find home care.

It’s never too late to get them the help that they deserve. By looking into senior care, you will experience full peace of mind, knowing that they’re safe.

See below for several signs that it’s time to look into live-in care providers in Naples. It can help you better understand when is it time to get home care for seniors.

1. Not Eating Well

Perhaps you’ve noticed that your elderly loved one hasn’t been eating the same as they once did. Maybe you’ve even noticed that they’re losing a significant amount of weight.

If that’s the case, then they might be skipping out on meals or can no longer operate the kitchen the way that they once did. They might also find it increasingly difficult to run to the store for food items that they need to cook.

A live-in caregiver can give the assistance that they desperately need. They can go out to shop for groceries, come back to the house, and make your loved one the meals that they’ll chow down on.

Once the meal is done, they can also help clean up the dining table and kitchen, wash dishes, and put away all the items for future meals.

Be sure to reach out to a live-in care referral company that can help you find the right caregiver for your loved one’s situation.

2. Slow Recovery Time

Perhaps you’ve grown concerned for your loved one because of an illness or injury that they’ve recently suffered. You have noticed that they’re taking longer and longer to recover from health complications.

These injuries and illnesses might also be more frequent, with no signs of that slowing down any time soon.

If so, then you’ll want someone to be around them 24/7. As much as you’d love to be around them all the time, you still have a career and your spouse/children to care for as well.

Hiring a live-in care provider can help give you peace of mind. Even when you’re not around, there’s a specially-trained and well-educated live-in caregiver that’s watching over them, giving them the best medical attention possible.

Be sure to give your loved one time to adjust to the idea. If you rush them into it too quickly, they might resist the care they’re given.

3. Their Memory Is Fading

Sometimes the biggest sign that your loved one needs help is when you notice that their memory is starting to fade. Sometimes it’s a sign of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, while other times it comes naturally as they age.

No matter what the reason is for the memory loss, it will only continue to worsen. If their memory fails them while no one else is around, it could lead to a very serious situation.

A live-in care provider will work tirelessly to keep an eye on them. They’ve been trained on how to work with patients that suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and how to get them to cooperate in moments of confusion.

4. They Recently Had an Accident

Did your loved one recently fall and injure themselves? Was there a close call that you were (fortunately) there to help them with? If so, then you might be struggling with the eye-opening sign that they need constant supervision.

Not only that, but your elderly loved one might not be comfortable with being left by themselves for any period of time. This is a clear sign that it’s time to get them live-in care from a specialist.

If they were to have an accident while no one was around, then it might lead to a life-threatening situation. They might not be able to reach for the phone to call for help.

5. They Seem Lonely

No one should ever have to feel alone in their own house. As much as you, your kids, and your siblings might try to keep them company, there will always be moments where your elderly loved one is alone.

Not only are those moments a danger to their physical health, but their mental health as well.

Live-in caregivers don’t just focus on giving medical treatment to their patients. They have a passion for taking care of elderly people in need. They will build a friendship with your loved one and find different ways to hang out with them.

That way, even when you’re at work or running the kids around, you’ll know that your loved one is hanging out with a close friend around the clock!

6. They Can’t Drive Anymore

There comes a time where all elderly people can no longer drive. Their worsening health makes it impossible for them to safely operate a vehicle.

With a live-in caregiver, they’ll have access to drive wherever they need to without having to wait for a loved one to pick them up.

That way, you don’t have to adjust your schedule every time they have a doctor’s appointment. The live-in care provider can take them wherever they need to go.

Find the Right Home Care for Your Loved One Today

Now that you have seen several signs that it’s time to get home care for your loved one, be sure to use the right referral service for your needs.

Be sure to read this article for more information on senior loneliness and how you can help them cope with their emotional distress.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.