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.

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.

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.

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.

Home Layout

• Security: how to lock doors, windows or set an alarm system
• Where to find operating manual for electrical devices: dishwasher, washing machine, etc.
• Where would they find the household supplies.
• Where to find the things needed when cooking.
• Where to find phone lines in the home.
• Where to find clean bedding, towels, etc.

In Case of an Emergency

• Phone number and address of the client’s GP
• Which hospital to go in case of an emergency, phone and address.
• Family members, friends or neighbors’ contact information: phone numbers, address.

Information about the Client

• The diet they have to follow or food allergies.
• Their preference concerning food, activities or even clothing.
• Where to find the patient’s clothing, shoes, etc.
• If needed, information about devices that will help the client’s mobility, such as wheelchairs.
• Information about any pre-existing medical condition.
• Let the caregiver know what the client is not allowed to do unassisted; go out own their own, cooking or bathing.
• Their need for eyeglasses, or contact lenses and information or instructions about them.
• Things they should do; exercises, or any daily routine they need to follow.
• Any other information the family think is important to let the caregiver know beforehand.

To thoroughly interview home health care agencies may help to dissipate any doubts they might have. It is essential to know important question to ask them and what answers to expect. The former will help you to decide whether or not the home health care agency meets the standards you are looking for.

Here are some suggestions on what should be asked to a home health care agency.

How do you select and train your employees?

It is imperative to know that your loved one is going to be taken care of by a qualified caregiver. How is the selection process to hire their staff? Are applicants’ background checked? It also important for agencies to stay up-dated on the latest methods while training their employees to provide clients with the best home care possible. Some other agencies keep their staff permanently attending training courses, but this might not be the best option since they may not offer the best care possible when compare to a better trained caregiver.  The choice will be yours.

How is quality control monitored and ensured within the home care agencies?

To avoid accidents, poor care or even abuse is why agencies should be periodically monitoring the employees services. Through this monitoring process home health care agencies can ensure that elderly people under their care are well cared for.

Can you have access to a list of references to know more about the agency?

If so, are they also willing to present you with the information once you ask for it? You have to know that as much information they are willing to share with you the more you can find out about that specific agency. Any agency with a bad background, such as a history of complaints, might not be willing to show you information since that can turn you away as a new client.

In the end the decision of which home care agency you choose is down to you, trust your instincts and of course look for the basic niceties in the staff – polite, well dressed, educated, etc.

Maintaining a certain degree of independence is imperative for good mental health in the elderly population. As people age and become less able to do things for themselves, their mood begins to deteriorate, which can lead to other serious conditions like depression. Because of all the life and body changes people go through, the elderly may begin to feel like they are worthless because they cannot do things for themselves anymore and must depend on someone else for their every need.

For elderly people with low to moderate disability levels and health issues, maintaining this semi-independence is as easy as making some simple modifications to their homes to make them safer and easier to navigate. Here are some ways that an elderly person’s home can be modified to make it a less hazardous place for them to be, especially when alone or they are waiting the arrival of their home care.

Non-slip, stick on shower appliques

Injuries sustained from falls are the number one health hazard for the elderly population living alone, even part time. Slippery surfaces such as bath tubs and showers are some of the major culprits in these falls. Making the bathing surfaces less slippery using these appliques can greatly reduce the risk.

Handrails

Installing handrails for support in navigating steps, stairs, or hallways is another invaluable safety modification that can be easily done to an elderly person’s home. These handrails offer support and aid in balancing as they are trying to maneuver inclined surfaces or longer distances. Handrails are also recommended in bath tubs and shower stalls to make getting in and out of them less hazardous.

Tying up extension cords out of the way

Tripping over extension cords is also another major factor in the number of falls the elderly population experiences annually. Often times these cords are stretched across high traffic areas and can be hard to step over, especially for those with limited mobility. Securing these cords in an out of the way place, such as along a baseboard, can be effective in combating falls.

Lighting

Shedding light on dark areas in the home is a must to avoid falls and the injuries that often result from them. Long hallways, stairwells, porches, or even banisters that are poorly lit can be hard to navigate under the best circumstances. However, for a person utilizing a mobility aide such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, navigating these places can be almost impossible. Installing simple automated night lights can, very effectively, remedy this situation.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our home care safety policies or any of the services we provide.

Why Should Caregivers Avoid Giving Medication to Clients?

Caregivers should avoid giving clients medication, as it not within the boundaries of the care that is provided by the traditional caregiver services. Although the caregiver may be aware of the medications that the client is taking, the caregiver may be unable to determine if there will be an interaction between the medications which are being administered and the medications which are taken on a daily basis.

Aside from any obvious legal ramifications of a caregiver in an elderly care situation administering drugs there will always be the chance that there could be a fatal errors made due to lack of professional training.

What Should a Caregiver do if the Senior Requests Medication?

In the case that the client requests medication from the caregiver, it can take a simple phone call to the doctor’s office, or nurses that are offering home care. The nurse can then give advice that can be dispensed to family members that can administer the medication to the client.

As an alternative, the caregiver may contact the family members or support system directly and allow the family members or friends to consent to the request, contact the physician or nurse that is responsible for the medication.

In the case that the client has taken it upon themselves to take medication that has not been prescribed, the caregiver can note this on the chart of the client which is prepared for the home care company. This information can be relayed to friends and family members and if this medication is seen as dangerous, it can be removed from the environment of the client to prevent further unauthorized usage. 

How Can Caregivers Assist with Medication?

When dealing with the elderly, care must be taken regarding the reminding for medication to be taken. The use of medication holders which can determine which and how many pills should be taken each day can be used, as well as charts and reminder notes or alarms which are set to coincide with the schedule that the medication will be taken. Using these tips, the caregiver can take an active role in the care of the client, including the health without putting the caregiver, or the company that the caregiver works for in direct danger of acting unlawfully.

Still Unsure?

If you have any thoughts or questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to call our office to clear up any doubts you may have.

A special diet is most often recommended by the health care provider. Depending on the diet that has been recommended for the patient, there could be multiple restrictions on various types of foods.

Here is an overview of the common diets which are commonly recommended to seniors:

Low Cholesterol Diet
A low cholesterol diet is prescribed to clients that have a high level of serum cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol is dangerous, as it can lead to clogged arteries and cardiac problems.

Low cholesterol foods that are included in the diet are whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fried foods are avoided through the low cholesterol diet as are many processed foods and dairy products that are high in fat.

Diabetes Diet
A diet prescribed to patients that have been diagnosed as diabetic includes very little sugar and refined or processed food. In order to maintain adequate levels of blood sugar it is important to follow the diet correctly.

The caregiver must learn the specifications of the diet in order to maintain the health of the patient. Careful monitoring must often occur through the use of blood glucose meters.

Low Fat Diet
In the case that the client is obese or has been recommended to lose weight for a surgical procedure, for example – a low fat diet is prescribed. This diet often includes caloric restrictions and the client should adhere to the diet to see optimal results.

There are many ways that the client may be advised to follow a low calorie diet, including calorie restriction and soup or liquid diets which include the client fasting for up to seven days. Encouraging and motivating the client to finish the diet and reassuring that the time will pass quickly is recommended for the caregiver.

High Blood Pressure Diet
This diet encompasses meals which are low in sodium and offer the client foods that are free of MSG and foods that have been unprocessed, as these foods contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Diets that are created for low sodium patients include fruits and vegetables and dried beans, as well as unsalted nuts and other lean proteins.

Food that is served in restaurants as well as fast food is often very high in sodium, containing more than three times the daily recommended amount. Fast food should be avoided for clients following a diet that has been designed to promote lower blood pressure.

The knowledge of the basics of these diets is essential for care givers as it can assist to better the life and health of the patient. Developing patient nutrition is something that care givers at Hearts at Home Senior Care is passionate about and it is a task made easier with in home care.