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Author: Craig Bass

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Agency

Posted on by Craig Bass

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision and find a home care agency that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

  1. Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you start searching for a home care agency, it’s important to determine your loved one’s specific needs. Are they recovering from an injury or surgery? Do they have a chronic illness? Are they dealing with cognitive decline? Understanding your loved one’s situation and the level of care they require will help you narrow down your search and find an agency that offers the appropriate services.

  1. Research Home Care Agencies

Once you know what type of care your loved one requires, you can start researching home care agencies. Look for agencies that specialize in the type of care your loved one needs, such as dementia care or post-surgery care. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.

  1. Check the Agency’s Reputation

When choosing a home care agency, it’s essential to check their reputation. Look for reviews online, and ask the agency for references from previous clients. You can also check the agency’s accreditation and licensing status to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

  1. Consider the Caregiver’s Qualifications

The caregiver who will be providing care for your loved one is a crucial factor to consider. Ask the agency about their caregiver screening process and training. Look for agencies that employ caregivers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also consider the caregiver’s experience and expertise in providing care for your loved one’s specific needs.

  1. Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Support

Effective communication and support are essential for a successful home care experience. Look for an agency that provides clear and consistent communication with you and your loved one. They should also have a support system in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.

In conclusion, selecting a home care agency is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding your loved one’s needs, researching agencies, checking their reputation, considering caregiver qualifications, and evaluating their communication and support, you can find an agency that provides the high-quality care your loved one deserves.

When should seniors stop driving?

Posted on by Craig Bass

As people age, their driving abilities may decline due to a number of factors such as slower reflexes, vision problems, cognitive impairment, and medical conditions. This can raise concerns about their safety on the road and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. However, giving up driving can also mean a loss of independence and mobility, which can be a difficult transition for seniors. So, when should seniors stop driving?

The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability, not just their age. Some seniors may be able to drive safely well into their 80s or 90s, while others may need to stop driving earlier due to medical conditions or cognitive impairment. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and assessing whether it’s time for them to stop driving.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a senior to stop driving:

  1. Difficulty with basic driving tasks: This may include trouble with braking or accelerating, staying in the correct lane, and maintaining a safe speed.
  2. Getting lost or disoriented while driving: Seniors who get lost or confused while driving may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory problems.
  3. Increased accidents or near-misses: If a senior has been involved in multiple accidents or near-misses, it may be a sign that their driving skills have declined.
  4. Difficulty seeing or hearing: Vision and hearing problems can make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially in low-light conditions or when navigating busy streets.
  5. Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, or other side effects that can impair driving abilities.

If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have a conversation about their driving abilities and consider alternative transportation options. Family members and caregivers can work together to find alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driving programs.

It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, as giving up driving can be a difficult transition for seniors. Encourage seniors to express their concerns and feelings, and work together to find solutions that meet their transportation needs while ensuring their safety on the road.

In conclusion, there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability and any medical or cognitive issues that may impair their ability to drive safely. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and finding alternative transportation options when it’s time for them to stop driving.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleeping Issues

Posted on by Craig Bass

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. They experience all sorts of issues including sleeping issues. Many people who have this disease have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are many reasons for this that you and their caregivers should be aware of.

Trouble Sleeping

Your elderly loved one might have trouble sleeping. If you have noticed they have had changes in the way that they fall asleep or stay asleep, it is time to find out what the issue might be. The first thing to note is that this disease, alone, can cause people to have trouble sleeping. There is something in their brain that causes sleep disruptions. It could be they are feeling restless or anxious before going to bed. Whatever the issue might be, these troubles sleeping should be addressed.

You should pay attention to how your loved one is behaving. Pay attention to how they are acting before bedtime. If they seem anxious about something, find a solution for their anxiety. You should also be sure that your loved one gets ready for bed 15 – 30 minutes before their bedtime. This way they can get laid down and situated before it is time to fall asleep.

Sundowning Syndrome

Sundowning is when your elderly loved one displays negative behaviors around sundown and through the night. Sometimes there are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help manage the sundowning symptoms.

You should also make sure your loved one’s sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible. Increasing the activities they do during the day can help to tire them out for nighttime, as well. Lastly, you and your loved one’s caregivers should make sure they don’t have electronics during the evening or nighttime.

Hallucinations

Your loved one might also experience hallucinations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may see things in their bedroom that make them scared to fall asleep. It might seem as if the shadows are strangers in their house. This can be very frightening for your elderly loved one.

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, the first thing to do is make sure they talk to their doctor about it. In addition, you should make sure the corners of their rooms are lit. This will prevent them from seeing things in the dark. You should also make sure there aren’t any noises that could be deemed as scary throughout the home at nighttime.

These are some of the sleeping issues that your elderly loved one might have with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure you and their caregivers do your best to understand what they are going through and help them in any way that you can.

Sources
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-deprivation-increases-alzheimers-protein
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/6-tips-managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. 

Golden Heart’s Employee of the Month!

Posted on by Craig Bass

The employee of the month for May is Jackie Likens. Jackie’s been very helpful to us at Golden Heart. We really appreciate the way she steps in when we need her. We want to make sure we recognize her hard work and dedication, by naming her employee of the month. Congratulations Jackie, keep up the hard work!

Reducing the Risk of a Second Heart Attack

Posted on by Craig Bass

25 percent of people who have a heart attack will have a second one. However, approximately 80 percent of heart attacks can be prevented. That means that if your aging relative has had a heart attack, there are ways for them to lower the risk of having a second one. Below are some steps that can lead to better heart health and prevent a second heart attack.

Manage Conditions

If your older family member has conditions that are risk factors for heart problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it’s important that they follow the doctor’s advice for managing the conditions. They need to take medications as instructed and make the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Home care can help older adults to follow the instructions given by their doctors for managing conditions, including reminding them to take medications at the appropriate times.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a serious risk factor for heart attack. Using tobacco can cause blood clots and harm blood vessels. If your aging relative smokes, they should speak to the doctor about how to quit. The doctor can suggest smoking cessation techniques and even prescribe medications to help them quit.

Home care can offer encouragement and support when seniors are trying to quit smoking.

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions

After a heart attack, most people are prescribed medications to prevent additional heart problems. Seniors should not skip doses or take more than prescribed. It’s also important for them to go to cardiac rehab and follow up medical appointments.

Home care providers can help by driving the older adult to the pharmacy to pick up medications and to rehab and other medical appointments.

Exercise Regularly

Talk to the doctor about what kind of exercise is appropriate and safe for your older family member. Once they have been cleared to exercise, they should work up to exercising about 30 minutes per day on 5 or more days of the week.

Home care providers can monitor the senior while they exercise, helping them to feel safer. Home care providers can also go for walks with the older adult or drive them to an exercise class.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important to improving and maintaining heart health. A heart healthy diet is one that decreases salt, sugar, and bad fats. It focuses on plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as well as healthy sources of protein.

Home care providers can cook balanced meals that follow the guidelines for heart health.

Sources
https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/how-to-help-reduce-your-risk-of-another-heart-attack
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/reduce-risk-second-heart-attack
https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-attack-prevention-1746024

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN URBANDALE, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!

How Elder Care Can Help Seniors Cope with the Stress of COVID-19

Posted on by Craig Bass

Many older adults are experiencing extra stress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Television stations and newspapers are full of bad news about the spread of the disease and its effects. Because older adults are at higher risk for the virus, they may have feelings of fear and spend an undue amount of time worrying about what could happen. Finding ways to cope with the stress are an important part of keeping your older family member healthy and strong through these tough times.

Why Might Seniors Feel Stressed?

How your older family member deals with the stress of the pandemic is dependent on factors including their background and their community. Seniors may be more susceptible to stress from the situation because they are at higher risk due to age. In addition, if your aging relative has a chronic condition or suffers from mental health issues, the stress may be even worse.

Signs of stress due to the pandemic may include:

  • Expressing fear about their health or about the health of people they care about.
  • Sleep changes, like not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.
  • Changes in eating patterns, including eating too much or eating less.
  • Health problems getting worse.
  • Using substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco to cope.

What Can Seniors Do to Cope with Stress?

There are many ways older adults can reduce the stress they are feeling because of the virus. Some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are:

  • Take Breaks: Spending too much time watching the news, reading the newspaper, or following other coverage of the outbreak can increase stress. Seniors should turn off the television and avoid information about the virus for a while each day.
  • Take Care of Health: Following a healthy lifestyle can improve overall health and relieve stress. Older adults should eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. They should also use stress reduction techniques, like meditation and deep breathing.
  • Unwind: Seniors should make an effort to continue engaging in activities they enjoy, such as hobbies.
  • Connect: Though older adults may not be able to see others face to face, they should still try to remain connected by making phone calls, using social media, and writing cards or letters.

How Can Elder Care Help with Stress?

Elder care providers can assist older adults to reduce the stress they may be feeling due to the pandemic in many ways. In fact, just by knowing that an elder care provider is going to visit regularly and help with whatever they need, older adults may feel less stressed. While visiting, elder care providers can distract seniors from their worries by spending time talking about other things or listening when the senior needs to talk about their fears. Elder care providers can also assist older adults to maintain good health habits by preparing healthy meals for them and helping them to get outside for a bit of exercise while still maintaining social distancing.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN ALTOONA, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!

Update on COVID-19 from Golden Heart Senior Care

Posted on by Craig Bass

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. More information on: Are you at higher risk for serious illness?

Know How it Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:

    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions.
    Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Golden Heart’s Employee of the Month!

Posted on by Craig Bass

Tracy Johannes is our employee of the month. We are very grateful for Tracy and all she does for us at Golden heart. Tracy is very reliable and does her notes well. We appreciate her and all the many ways she helps us. Tracy, we wanted to show you our appreciation by naming you employee of the month. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!!

How Does What Your Parent Drinks Affect Their Health?

Posted on by Craig Bass

Senior Care in Urbandale IAWhen your elderly parent is thirsty, what do they typically reach for? There are many beverage choices available, from water, to juice, to soft drinks, to coffee. It’s easy to forget about the calories, sugar, and other substances in beverages. People tend to think more about the foods they eat than what they drink. However, research shows that what your parent drinks may have more of an impact on their health than you may think. Below are some common beverages and how they affect your parent’s health.

Water

Water is widely considered the best beverage option. The body is made up of 60 percent water, so it stands to reason people need to drink it to maintain the balance of fluid. It also contains no calories, so there’s no fear of it causing your parent to gain weight. And, while it cannot make wrinkles go away, staying hydrated will help seniors to maintain plumper skin that appears younger.

Juice

A glass of juice can be a tasty way to add fruit to your parent’s diet. Just make sure it’s 100 percent fruit, and not merely fruit flavored. A glass of juice here and there can be healthy but drinking too much of it can be a problem because fruit juice is high in calories. An 8-ounce glass of fruit juice contains about 100 calories and 24 grams of carbohydrates. That’s about the same as drinking 8 ounces of soda. However, the upside of drinking juice is that it offers vitamins and antioxidants that are not present in soda.

Soda

Speaking of soda, sugary sodas are among the worst drink choices your parent can make. Drinking sugar-sweetened drinks like soda has been associated with increased risk of serious diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. In addition, they can cause tooth decay. Drinking a lot of soda can also lead to weight gain. Research shows that drinking diet sodas isn’t much better in terms of weight gain, either. Studies show that frequent consumption of diet soda is linked to weight gain as well, particularly around the waist, where it increases the chances of heart disease.

If your parent tends to reach for unhealthy beverages, a senior care provider can assist them to make healthier choices. A senior care provider can make certain your parent always has access to a glass or bottle of cold, fresh water. Having water nearby at all times will make them more likely to drink it instead of getting up to get a soda or other unhealthy beverage. Senior care providers can also prepare cups of herbal tea, decaffeinated coffee, or water infused with fruit to offer your parent some variety.

Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/improve-your-diet-beverages-drinks.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/sugar-sweetened-beverages-intake.html
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN URBANDALE, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!

Kind Words from Some of Our Wonderful Clients!

Posted on by Craig Bass

My name is Terreno Hill, I’m satisfied with my services with Golden Heart. I like meeting with my staff Renee. She’s been very helpful and getting me out in the community more. I’m very satisfied with my services. Thank you

Terreno Hill

I like the services because I can go places. I can get some of my thoughts out. There’s someone to talk too. And I like getting out to see the scenery. I like talking to Renee and the program Golden Heart.

Elizabeth S. Nealy