Archive for May 2023

Living with a chronic illness can be a daily struggle, requiring resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing symptoms and challenges. Health professionals, particularly senior home care service providers, are instrumental in helping clients in Pacific Palisades navigate this complex journey with compassion, support, and guidance. 

Stay tuned, as we’re about to discuss the role of health professionals in chronic illness management and the strategies they employ to help clients cope with symptoms, improve their quality of life, and maintain a sense of empowerment and control over their condition.

How do health professionals help those living with a chronic illness cope?

According to a study published in Families, Systems and Health, a team from the University of Michigan investigated the experiences of more than 700 adults who had helped a friend or family member manage a chronic illness. Survey respondents assisted with medication management, medical appointments, health care forms, and cooking healthy food, suggesting that healthcare teams should be more involved in the care of their loved ones. Why is that so?

1. Personalized care plans

Chronic illness affects each individual differently. However, you can trust experienced home care professionals to develop personalized care plans that address the specific needs of each client. As part of this process, they’ll devise a medication management plan, as well as monitor daily symptoms and adjust the plan as necessary.

• Symptom monitoring & management

Regular monitoring of a client’s symptoms is essential for effective chronic illness management. Healthcare professionals should help clients keep a record of their symptoms and look for patterns or triggers. By understanding the factors that provoke symptom flare-ups, they can offer seniors effective methods of preventing or minimizing them.

• Medication management

Medication plays a crucial role in managing many chronic illnesses. Health professionals should ensure that clients are taking their medications as prescribed and monitor for potential side effects. They can also provide education on the proper use of medications and address any concerns the client may have.

2. Emotional support

Living with a chronic illness can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Yet, with the support and encouragement of professional caregivers, clients can work through their emotions and cope with various health challenges. This can include offering a listening ear, providing reassurance, or referring them to professional help when necessary.

3. Lifestyle modifications

Making lifestyle changes can often help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being for those living with chronic illnesses. Still, an experienced professional will empower clients by encouraging them to adopt healthier habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep hygiene. They can also help them identify and eliminate potential triggers in their environment.

4. Support network

A strong support network is crucial for individuals coping with chronic illness. Make sure you surround your aging loved ones with health specialists adept at helping them build and maintain relationships with friends, family, and support groups. These connections are vital in providing emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging – all of which can help them cope with their symptoms.

Where can I find qualified home care in Pacific Palisades and the area? 

You think your aging parent needs more help at home? You’re in the right place! A Better Way in Home Care is here to help chronically ill individuals improve their quality of life. You can rely on us to connect you with qualified caregivers, whether you live near Palisades Charter High School or elsewhere in the area. In addition to helping your loved one lead a safe, pleasant, and fulfilling life, these experts can help with daily activities as well. Get in touch with us today and let’s discuss your needs!

As our loved ones grow older, their need for assistance and support may become increasingly apparent. While some of them experience a sudden need for help, others may exhibit more subtle signs that gradually indicate a need for additional assistance. For this reason, adult children often struggle to recognize these signs and determine when to step in with senior home care in Pacific Palisades and the area. 

In the following blog, we’ll explore the common indicators that suggest your elderly parents might need extra help at home, highlighting what to look out for and what you can do to help them.

What is the best way to tell if an elderly person needs help?

Many seniors wish to remain independent for as long as possible to maintain control over their lives. In most cases, they hide or downplay their problems until a serious injury or abrupt decline in health makes it obvious that they need help. 

Here are some common indicators that an elderly individual may require an increased level of care:

1. Changes in personal hygiene & grooming

A decline in personal hygiene and grooming can be one of the first indicators that your elderly loved one needs some more assistance. If you notice they’re neglecting their basic self-care, such as bathing, brushing their teeth, or wearing clean clothes, it may be time to consider additional support.

2. A decline in mobility & balance

As we age, keeping our balance and mobility can become increasingly difficult. You may notice that your loved one is having difficulty walking, navigating stairs, or getting in and out of chairs, which may require further assistance to prevent falls and ensure their safety.

3. Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite

Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite can be a sign that an elderly person is not getting the nutrition they need. Whether your loved one is skipping meals, struggling to prepare meals, or simply losing weight, it may be time to explore options for meal assistance or in-home support.

4. Difficulty managing medications

Proper medication management is crucial for long-term health, particularly for elderly patients with chronic conditions. In case your aging parent or other family member has trouble remembering to take their medications, mistaking dosages, or suffering adverse effects, you should help them stay on top of their medication regimen. 

5. Unkempt living environment

Seniors who live in a cluttered or unkempt environment may be struggling with home maintenance. If you notice piles of unopened mail, dirty dishes, or dirt and dust buildup, consider offering additional support with housekeeping tasks.

6. Social isolation & withdrawal

Social isolation and withdrawal are symptoms of both physical and emotional problems among the elderly. If your loved one is no longer participating in activities they once enjoyed or avoiding social interactions, you should give them more support so they can remain active and involved in their community.

7. Confusion & memory issues

Cognitive decline, including memory loss and confusion, can challenge seniors to manage their daily tasks and routines. If your loved one is frequently disoriented, forgetful, or incapable of decision-making, they may need additional assistance to remain self-sufficient.

Where in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding area can I find expert senior home care?

Choosing the right care for your senior loved one can be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor. That’s why we can refer caregivers who offer a wide range of services to meet your unique needs. Whether you need someone who can help chronically ill people live better lives, or perhaps you’d like to know more about a caregiver’s role in fall prevention, A Better Way in Home Care is the one to call. What’s best, we thoroughly vet every caretaker we recommend. We are here to help you no matter where in Pacific Palisades you live. Give us a call today!