Q – I have thought about home care for my aging mother in Boston; but how do I know when it’s the right time?

A – There is no cut and dry answer for when it’s right to bring home care into the life of a Boston senior like your mother, but there are some life situations that seniors can encounter which makes home care ideal for them.  If your mother finds herself experiencing one or more of the following scenarios, then it may be time to consider home care for her.

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

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

• She’s given up driving – seniors who no longer drive for whatever reason, would greatly benefit from the help of a caregiver who can take them to run errands or to appointments

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

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

• She suffers from Alzheimer’s or dementia

Sources:

1. Elder Issues

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Q – My dad’s caregiver has suggested digital photography as an activity for them to do together. I am totally on board with this since I know photography was a hobby of my dad’s in his younger days, and it’s great that she’s trying to inspire him creatively. The only problem is the caregiver doesn’t have a camera, and I don’t have one that I can lend him. With his birthday coming up, I’m thinking about buying a digital camera for him, but is there anything specific that I need to look for to ensure that the camera chosen is senior-friendly, especially since his abilities might change over the next few years while he has the camera?

- Stella, 47

A – It’s great to hear that both you and your father’s senior home caregiver are willing to inspire your dad’s creativity through photography! Shop around in Boston to find a digital camera that is a good value, but there are also specific features that you should look for in order to ensure that the choice is appropriate for your dad today, and later on in the future if he continues the hobby of taking pictures on his own or with a caregiver. Think about your dad’s technological knowledge; if it’s limited, choose a camera that has minimal features without all of the unnecessary bells and whistles. A point and shoot style camera is more than sufficient for a senior looking to take on a digital photography hobby. You also want to look for a camera that has relatively large buttons, as his dexterity could decrease with age, as well as a camera with a large display screen. Also ensure that his computer is compatible with the camera before you decide to bring it home!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. eHow

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Last week, while visiting a Boston geriatric specialist, my 87 year old grandmother confronted a nurse who chose to treat her like a child when instead of giving her instructions directly; the nurse chose to speak only to the family member who escorted her. After the nurse delivered her final instruction, which was to “make sure she keeps her shoes off” my grandmother turned directly to the nurse and said “You know, I may be old, but I’m not stupid; you can speak to me.”

While it may seem unfathomable to treat an adult like an incompetent child, less drastic examples that parallel senior care to child care are used everyday, right or wrong. Some eldercare experts refer to “parenting the parents” when speaking of family caregivers; while terms like “adult daycare” resurrect images of young children, who lack independence, playing with blocks.

Family caregivers providing care to a Boston aging parent or elderly relative do need to adapt to changing roles in their family structure, but need to remember they are there to help and guide the seniors in their care; not represent a figure of authority. Naturally, the amount of influence a caregiver might have upon a senior varies with an older adult’s capability of making their own decisions and living independently; and overtime the amount of care needed can change as seniors become more reliant upon their caregivers to live their lives. As a caregiver, it’s important to accept a senior’s opinions and values, and remember to treat them with the dignity and respect they have earned during their lives.

Sources:
1.    Associated Content
2.    Eldercare ABC Blog

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Senior depression is an unfortunate reality of getting older for many seniors. After witnessing many drastic changes and tragedies throughout the later years of their lives, it’s no surprise that seniors may struggle with their morale. However, that doesn’t mean that we as friends, family members, and caregivers of seniors have to stand by idly and let a senior suffer with depression in silence; we can step in and help boost their morale by making a positive impact on their lifestyle.

4 Ways to Boost Senior Morale:

1) Encourage physical activity – exercise releases hormones which can help stave off depression. Instead of sitting around at home during a visit with a senior, go out for a walk or pick another activity that’s well suited to the senior’s physical capabilities.
2) Create social situations – the best way to boost senior morale and prevent loneliness is to get them involved in social situations. Invite your senior to a party or encourage them to join a social activity.
3) Help maintain a healthy diet – studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can prevent depression, so keep your senior’s fridge well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.
4) Offer support – if your efforts just don’t seem to boost your senior’s morale or they continue to struggle with elderly depression, make sure they know you are willing to listen to anything on their mind. If they aren’t comfortable talking with a friend or family member, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group for seniors.

Sources:
1. Senior Journal: Kara Gavin
2. Everyday Health

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.