Caregivers should discuss with their clients, the types of exercises that should be done. Most days it is recommended that a senior get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. Some good examples are swimming, walking, and cycling. The caregiver should always take their clients current physical fitness into account when attempting to set up a work out schedule.

Strength training is recommended for two days a week. There are several strength training exercises that seniors can do, such as wall push ups, chair squats, and bicep curls. A caregiver can help determine which exercises are best, and how often then should be done.

As a home care worker, always make sure that the client is wearing loose, well-fitting, and comfortable clothing. Good shoes with arch supports, and cushions, to absorb shock, are also recommended for seniors when they work out. A caregiver should make sure the client is in good enough health for exercise, as working out with a cold, or flu can be detrimental to health. Before working out the client should always warm up, and stretch both before, and after the exercise period.

The caregiver should be alert for dangerous symptoms that may appear while their client is exercising. Chest pains may be a warning that a cardiologist appointment should be set. Dizziness, trouble breathing, trouble balancing, and nausea may also be warning signs of over work, or underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed.

A caregivers primary goal is to make life as long, and enjoyable as possible for their clients. Helping the client exercise to the best of their ability, and monitoring their progress can help serve that goal. This is just one of the many ways that home care can help our elderly loved ones.

Althizmers disease is by far the most common. The on set of Alzheimer’s can happen as quickly as a single year, or it can happen over the span of 20 or more years. Some of the effect of Alzheimer’s are delirium, delusions, depression, and disturbed behavior. Being alert for the signs of Alzheimer’s can help caregivers better help their client. If the home care worker notices lapses in memory, sudden difficulty with language, or decreased motor functions, they should consult with their clients doctor, and have the client checked for Alzheimer’s.

Delirium is another mental disorder that caregivers should watch out for in their clients. While delirium many be a symptom of Alzheimer’s, it can also act as a stand alone disorder, and should be treated as such. A reduced ability to focus, sudden onset of misconceptions, poor judgment, and reduced motor activity, that change over the course of a day, or an even longer period of time could be indicators of delirium. Delirium may also be a reaction to a new drug that the client has been prescribed, and signs of delirium should be reported to the clients doctor immediately.

Psychosis is a blanket term, often used to encompass a number of disorders such as bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. While many people suffering from some form of psychosis will show signs of the disorder when they are younger, it is still possible for psychosis to strike the elderly very suddenly. Some tell tales signs of psychosis that caregivers should look our for are sudden, erratic mood swings, and hallucinations. It can be very easy to mistake a psychotic disorder with delirium, so a careful psychological examination of the client is needed to make a proper diagnosis.

Caregivers should also be alert for signs of depression in their clients. While depression is much more common in women, it affects both genders. Depression can be triggered by a number of different factors, such as losing a loved one, or several loved ones in a short span of time, something many seniors will have to cope with.

People working in the home care industry should be alert for signs of any of these disorders. A caregiver who can catch these problems in their early stages can better help their client cope with them.

As a caregiver there are special elements to consider when working with clients who have recently suffered a broken hip, as well as ways to help increase the survival rate in those who have not suffered a break, but are prone to.

Many people who are recovering from a broken hip choose home care, as opposed to recovering in a hospital. Caregivers should educate themselves on the warning signs of postoperative complications associated with hip replacement surgery.

One of the most dangerous postoperative conditions found in studies was congestive heart failure. While there is no way to truly prepare for the onset of congestive heart failure, helping the client maintain a healthy diet, and keeping an eye on any changes in blood pressure, can help a caregiver see the signs of trouble soon enough to inform doctors, who can then take action.

The second most common complication that caregivers will likely encounter is chest infection. Should the caregiver notice their client develop symptoms like bronchitis, or pneumonia, a doctor should be notified immediately.

Studies have shown that the best way to avoid postoperative complications with hip replacements, is to make sure that the patient has a healthy style of living before the accident. People who receive home care are often much healthier, due to the caregiver helping maintain diet, and workout schedules. These people are also less susceptible to slip and fall accidents, the leading cause of broken hips, because caregivers go through great pains to make the home a safer environment for their client.

The causes for most postoperative complications, were preexisting conditions that had gone unaddressed, and poor overall health in the person suffering the break. Home care can not only help protect loved ones by reducing the chance of a break, but can also help the client maintain a healthier lifestyle prior to a break. Following hip replacement surgery a caregiver is in a prime spot to help catch any kinds of postoperative complications early, and seek the proper treatment for their client.

We strongly believe that staying at home is the best place for Mom and Dad. The home is a familiar environment to them, the sights and smells they have lived with. Ornaments and pictures line the walls that they themselves had chosen and placed there.

A home is place to welcome friends and family and to entertain guests. It is their choice of color and decoration.

Whilst at home should a loved one feel hungry they can eat, no need to wait for dedicated meal times. Should they wish to stroll around the garden then they can do so at their own free will. The word is freedom.

Another reason that home is the best place for Mom and Dad is that whilst they are receiving care they have a single dedicated caregiver watching them, not a team of staff whose attention is spread over many individuals. Also, who is to say that your Mom and Dad will enjoy being with these new people.

What about the location? Where your parents live now is of their choosing, if they are to be relocated will they be nearby, so family and friends can visit them easily.

It has been proven that financially home care beats many other forms of care for the elderly in affordability.

Hearts at Home Senior Care believes the home is the best place for Mom and Dad and is dedicated to keeping them there.

During the hottest part of the day, usually between 10AM and 4PM, it is recommended that outdoor activities be avoided. Instead of going down to the park, a mall, or library may be a better, and safer alternative for elderly people. Temperatures in a parked car can be as much as 30 degrees higher than the air outside, so make sure that a client is never left in an unattended vehicle. Burns can also come as a result of seat buckles, and other parts of a cars interior when the day grows very hot.

Knowing the signs of dehydration is a big step towards providing better home care for clients. As a caregiver, make sure that all clients drink plenty of water when the temperatures start to soar. Doubling water intake during periods of heavy activity in the heat is strongly advised. Drinks that contain sugar, alcohol, or caffeine can increase the risk of heat related illness, as these drinks deplete the body of the fluids that it needs during hot days.

Light colored, cotton clothing is ideal if you must take your client out during the day. Cotton allows the skins to breath, and light colors reflect heat, while darker colors absorb it. Synthetic fabrics also tend to trap heat against the skin, raising a persons risk of heat related illness.

Caregivers should always pay attention for the signs of dehydration in their clients. Too much sweating, cramps, headaches, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate are all indicators of dehydration. If taking care of an elderly person, who begins to show these signs, they should be moved to a cool place, and be given plenty of fluids as soon as possible.

One of the options, that many people have taken, is to place their elderly loved ones in a nursing home. This can have a negative impact on the elderly family member; being displaced from their home can upset the balance of their lives and lead to depression. The House Government Reform Committee Special Investigation Division found that in a three year period, from 1999 to 2001, that 9,000 instances of elderly abuse, and neglect were reported.

Most claims cited neglect as the reason for complaint, unsanitary conditions, bed sores going untreated, and deficient hygienic practices. Some of the reports were much more severe. Physical, and sexual abuse were found in a smaller number of cases. These reports cause grave concern for those who are considering a nursing home for their elderly family members. While the findings do not mean that all nursing homes are bad, it does give family members cause for concern.

Another option that people are seeking out more frequently is home health care. A caregiver can provide individual service to an elderly family member, in the comfort of their own home. This allows them some level of freedom that a nursing home would lack, and does not cut them off from the rest of the world.

The elderly family member also has free contact with other members of the family, in cases where neglect, or some other offense may occur. For more and more seniors, home care is making their life easier, and families can form a relationship with the caregiver, allowing them to know that their loved one is being taken care of. Choosing a caregiver as opposed to a nursing home may be a much more comfortable solution to the problems that come up concerning an elderly family member.

Two types of arthritis are commonly seen in the elderly population. The first is osteoarthritis, or OA, a condition in which the cartilage between the joints has broken down, and pain is caused by the rubbing of bone on bone. OA is often seen in the back, knees, hips, and hands, making movement painful, and sometimes nearly impossible.

The second type of arthritis home care workers will come in contact with is Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. RA is an autoimmune disorder which causes swelling in the joints, and other parts of the body. RA is a symmetrical disorder, which means it attacks both sides of the body.

Both types of arthritis are very prevalent among the female population, and can lead to accidents, and health complications in elderly people. A caregiver should be alert for signs of either type of arthritis in clients, and the things that can be done to help them.

While there are no cures for arthritis, of either type, medical science has provided some methods to help fight against it. In the past narcotic pain killers were often used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have revealed that there may be non-narcotic ways to combat arthritis. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, has been shown to help the body produce cushioning fluid around joints. Omega 3 fatty acids have shown success in helping treat people suffering from arthritis, and other ailments. Chondroitin, a substance found naturally in both human and animal cartilage, has also been shown to help the body produce cushioning fluid around the joints.

For caregivers, and family alike, there is a shared responsibility to protect the elderly from scams and con jobs. Home care workers, and family members should pay close attention to transactions posted to bank accounts, and credit cards of the elderly. Home care providers are often in the best position to catch people attempting to pull off scams on the elderly. Their proximity to the potential victim makes a caregiver a good first line of defense against these scams.

Educating the elderly on the nature of some of these scams can help reduce their vulnerability. If the client is often on the internet, or frequently makes purchases online, it is wise to check to see if the website encrypts the data being sent. This is usually easy to spot, as a small lock will appear either near the top search bar, or in the lower right corner of the screen. This lock, usually gold in color, denotes that the site uses data encryption to protect user information.

Make sure that the client understands the dangers associated with giving out personal information to people on the phone. No reputable financial, or charitable institution will ask someone to confirm account numbers over the phone. Most of these establishments will also have some kind of literature which can be sent through the mail, this means that most charities will avoid telephone solicitation.

If they feel they have been the victim of a scam let the senior know how important it is to report the activity, and help them in any way possible. This can help protect not only the client, but people everywhere.

As a home care provider the responsibility is part of the job. When working as a caregiver someone is watching out for more than just a clients health. They must help their client avoid anything that may have a negative impact on their lifestyle.

To make up for many of these vitamin deficiencies people often take dietary supplements. A large majority of dietary supplements are taken by the elderly. As a home care worker it is wise to understand when, and if dietary supplements are the right choice for clients.

As a caregiver, one of the biggest responsibilities a person will face is making sure that their clients eat right. If a senior is under the observation of a home care professional, who helps them set out their meal plans, it is unlikely that they will need any dietary supplementation. If certain vitamins are missing from the diet, then supplements may be used to help balance out the body’s needs. Speaking with the clients doctor can help a caregiver better understand what their clients needs are.

People who take regular medications, even those sold over the counter, should always seek a doctors advice before turning to dietary supplements. Some supplements may cause adverse reactions when combined with medication. Seeking the advice of a doctor or pharmacist is always recommended when dietary supplements may affect new medication.

It is also wise to discontinue the use of dietary supplements both before, and after surgery, unless instructed otherwise by a medical professional. Dietary supplements can cause spikes in blood pressure, and other changes in the body, which may cause complications before, during, and after surgery. Speaking to the clients doctor can help rule out any possible dangers associated with taking dietary supplements, when major medical procedures loom on the horizon.

Unless otherwise notified by a doctor it is recommended that dietary supplementation be stopped three to six weeks before a major medical procedure. As a caregiver, or other person working in the home care industry, it is always important to know what your client is taking, and how it may affect them.

The easiest thing that can be done to make the bathroom safer for elderly clients is to improve the lighting. A nightlight, or motion sensor light can help. A caregiver many also want to increase the wattage of blubs already placed in the bathroom. Extra lighting can help avoid some of the accidents that can befall elderly clients.

Modifying a bathroom for better mobility is more difficult, but can significantly improve an elderly persons quality of life. Widening the bathroom door way can help provide easier access for clients who use mobility aids such as power chairs, and walkers. 32” to 36” is recommended, as this allows plenty of extra room for clients to maneuver through.’

Mounting sinks at waist height can reduce bending in taller clients, as well as help provide access to people who may be spending much of their time in a wheel chair, or scooter. A larger shower area, with no steps, and a floor sloping towards the drain, can make the bathroom safer and more comfortable as well. Adding extra hand holds, and a detachable shower head can also help make the shower a safer place. For traditional bathtubs handrails are recommended, as they can help a patient stabilize themselves while bathing. It also makes it easier to sit, and stand in the bathtub.

The standard height of a toilet is 15”. Raising the height to 17” can make it easier for some clients to use. A caregiver can also make some other suggestions to help improve the comfort of a bathroom. Lever type handles on sinks, and tubs are easier on the hands than standard knobs. The same logic applies to door handles. Pull out shelving can help increase the usable space in cabinets, and also make the room easier for elderly clients to navigate.