Old age poses a challenge not only for the individual, but also their family. One good example is transportation. It can be fairly frustrating for an adult to be unable to drive a car. They would have to rely on other family members or public transport.
The problem is that very few people have enough time these days to cater to the needs of their aging loved ones. For this reason, many families look for reliable homecare, whether they live in Studio City or elsewhere in Los Angeles.
There are some ways that you can make their life easier. For example, you should learn the right technique on how to transfer them to the backseat of your car, or how to make their ride more enjoyable. Keep on reading to learn how.
How can I help the elderly get in the car?
Many seniors have a problem with mobility or coordination, which takes away a significant part of their independence. This is the primary reason why they’ll need support when entering a vehicle. Luckily, there’s a way in which you can safely transfer them from a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid to the car seat.
Follow these steps to make this transition as painless as possible:
Check around the car. Make sure that the surrounding area is safe.
Wear proper footwear. Your shoes should have a firm grip to the ground.
Position your body correctly. Keep your feet separated at shoulder width.
Be careful with the upper half of your body. Stand upright, holding the torso straight.
Move at your hips and knees. Lean toward your client, using your knees and hips to lift them
Don’t hurt your hands or your back. During the transfer, carry the better part of the weight with your forearms
For additional safety, use various car aids, for example: car cane standing accessories, step stools, transfer boards, seat belt reacher handles, holders and extenders, etc.
When exiting the car, use the same body position. Make sure to gently lean their head forward, to prevent them from hitting the door frame. Make a short standing pause, just to check that you’re both balanced and then continue lifting them.
How do you make a long car ride comfortable for seniors?
Taking a ride to another city or to a nearby resort can be quite beneficial for your elderly relative. However, getting there can be tedious and stressful. So you should try to make it pleasurable, and minimize potential inconveniences.
First things first, check the health status of your senior passenger before taking a longer ride. You should take all precaution measures and make sure that you bring all the necessary medication.
Make sure that you bring enough food and water, plan breaks to have a meal and take medication. Have a supply of healthy snacks, just in case that you get stuck in traffic.
Take care about all safety precaution measures. Always check and adjust the seat belt. Avoid sitting them next to you, as air-bags can pose a hazard, so it’s better to place them on the back seat.
Obtain a handicapped permit for the car if your elderly passenger has limited mobility. This will save you a lot of time and stress, while you look for a designated parking space.
Consider the comfort itself. Many seniors need some additional back support, so you should adjust the car seat and provide additional cushions if necessary. In addition, bring a blanket, in case that your senior will need some rest.
Don’t forget to consider entertainment. People of all ages deserve to have some fun and relax while they travel. Play a list of their favorite music, or their preferred radio station, or an interesting podcast.
Where can I find dependable homecare in Studio City and surrounding communities?
Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we have a team of skilled and trustworthy caregivers with the necessary expertise and experience to help out your elderly relatives in Studio City and beyond. They will act in the best interest of your loved ones by helping them run everyday errands, prepare their meals, drive them to doctor’s, tend to their emotional and social needs, and many more. Our goal is to make your senior relatives feel respected and empowered.
With more time at your hands, seize the opportunity to have a family get-together in the lovely nature of Santa Monica Mountains or elsewhere in California. With the right assistance, your elderly ones will enjoy your family excursion as well.
To check all the advantages we can bring to your household, reach out to us today!
Over the last decades, life expectancy in the US, as well as in other parts of the world, has gone up significantly. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for professionals in senior care. This presents an excellent career opportunity for many, as well as a means to assist families and improve the quality of life of their senior relatives.
However, to become an in-house caregiver you need to fulfill certain standards. This career path isn’t for everyone, so you should tread lightly. Additionally, if you are looking for professional home care for your loved one around Studio City, read on to learn how to recognize the best.
What makes a good caregiver for the elderly?
Licenses or certificates proving you have attended and passed relevant courses are great, but they’re not necessarily sufficient. Anyone who intends to become a successful in-home caregiver for seniors, should exhibit the following qualities:
Positive demeanor
Empathy
Patience
Reliability
A caregiver needs to act positively, interact with clients sincerely, clearly, and with a genuine intention to alleviate their stress. Also, you should consider their perspective, tune in and provide necessary emotional support. Make sure you respect their time and pick the right pace.
Most importantly, you should be someone they can count on. Be punctual with your appointments from the very beginning, remain consistent in your assistance, and you’ll create an atmosphere of trust.
What are the skills needed to be a senior living caregiver?
Apart from favorable personal qualities, competent caregivers need a set of skills to assist their clients appropriately. Some of these skills can be polished in practice, while others require first-hand experience. Let’s consider the most important ones.
Interpersonal skills
First of all, you need to be an attentive communicator: this involves tact, active listening, and asking the right questions, when necessary. In addition, make sure you follow this advice:
Speak clearly and loud enough
Sit face to face and maintain eye contact
Focus on one topic at a time
Allow your client enough time, don’t rush them
Give them the opportunity to ask questions
Try to summarize what you have talked about
Physical strength & fitness
You would need to be strong enough to assist the elderly and accomplish a number of chores. For example, you’ll need to help them out of bed, go to the bathroom, help them get into the car from the wheelchair etc. This requires that you are in good physical health as well, and that you can do all of this without hurting yourself.
Problem-solving skills
Sometimes, you need to approach issues creatively and with some out-of-the-box thinking. While you might take some things for granted, your elderly client could have difficulties with even the basic needs you wouldn’t otherwise anticipate.
Also, you need a keen eye for detail in order to identify issues on time. See these problems not as obstacles, but opportunities to improve the well-being of your clients.
Flexibility
Having a flexible mindset is vital to catering to the unique needs of any elderly patient. While there are some universal basic needs, remember that each individual is different, so combine patience with flexibility. By adjusting to the specific requirements, you’ll provide a sense of companionship and make this experience worthwhile.
Organization
Caregivers should be skilled in organizing the space in such a way that allows them to quickly prepare meals for their clients, find their medication, help them get dressed, etc. Also, a well-organized professional will have a list of contacts, and will be able to react readily in case of emergency.
Time management
Good time management includes efficient multitasking, setting priorities, and handling a varying schedule. This skill allows you to maintain a healthy daily routine for your client, run their day-to-day errands, avoid missing doctor’s appointments, and reduce stress that comes with it.
Initiative
If problems occur, you’ll not wait for instructions, but you’ll proactively take action. For example check if there are some parts of the house that need repairs, or if there are some light gardening tasks you can help with, water the plants etc. Avoid being too confrontational, as you still want to keep your elderly clients feeling independent.
Who offers reliable home care across Studio City and neighboring communities?
A Better Way in Home Care is the leader among non-medical assistance providers in Studio City. Our goal is to make a perfect match between a caregiver and your elderly relative. Whether you’re located near the CBS Studio Center or anywhere else in the vicinity, you can count on us.
Our professionals can assist your elderly with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing, grooming, grocery shopping, etc. What’s more, if you’re seeking a career in the field and you have relevant experience, you can apply online and we’ll gladly provide necessary guidance.
To check all the benefits and improve the quality of life of your loved ones, call us today!
The elderly are a rapidly growing population group and families don’t always have the time and resources to cater to their needs. This has required improvement in both medical and non-medical care. Here will be described and discussed how we can improve the patient care of the elderly in a non-clinical context.
This refers to all aspects of care that are not done by a physician or other health practitioner. The focus is on the patient’s social, physical and psychological needs. It is important for this type of care to be as effective as possible because it can help improve the quality of life for those who need it most. In this blog we will discuss how you can improve non-medical care of your senior relatives or clients by providing some ideas on how you can do so effectively.
How can we improve the quality of patient care?
Elderly patient care has become increasingly demanding, especially during the last couple of decades. The major contributing factor has been the growth of the population above 65 and changing medical policies. Another challenge has occurred due to growing concerns over the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re seeking a successful career in senior care industry, or you’re an established company, consider the following advice how to improve the experience of your clients:
Better access
Many practitioners agree that improved non-medical assistance should include improved access to services. This is the first and foremost requirement to enhance the scope in which professionals can address patient needs. This means greater availability of medical and non-medical personnel, as well as more affordable care.
Reducing waiting time
In both non-medical and medical care, prolonged waiting time can cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience. This is why all services should work to optimize their procedures. Increasing demand dictates that the waiting time be reduced as much as possible. The changes need to be implemented to adequately address patient needs and requirements. Also, it’s crucial to take patient feedback seriously.
Clear information
Clients and families deserve proper and clear information about all aspects of the provided services. This should include the following:
Precise instructions
Clear and timely updates
Opportunities to educate clients about new procedures
Careful explanation of medical and administrative processes
Contact information of all professionals that can help out
Administrative reforms
Administration can often feel like an unnecessarily cumbersome part of any medical procedure. If it involves a lot of paperwork you can lose a lot of precious time and energy. When people are looking for a solution for their senior relatives, the last thing they need is additional worries. Hence, any such procedures should be designed in a client friendly way. Hiring professional client care professionals is one step toward a more streamlined approach and more welcoming atmosphere.
Enhanced communication
Communication is vital to overcome feelings of social isolation and loneliness. To make sure that you achieve the best results, keep it open. This means that you should allow more time for questions and focus on building rapport.
Openly expressing gratitude and appreciation can be mutually rewarding for everyone involved. Encouraging the patient to express their wishes without hesitation is vital to safeguard their feelings of autonomy.
Also, many providers are taking a leap forward with technological advancements. This reflects the general trends and changes in the non-medical care industry, as clients can rely on telehealth and similar support services.
Encourage client engagement
You want to map out your journey together, especially if you’re aspiring to provide the best service possible. Your clients should be involved in shaping your policies, by providing constant feedback. Also, do the following in order to improve overall patient and family engagement:
Involve family members and friends in daily activities
Build trust through collaboration
Make sure that patients have a say in their daily plans
Treat patients with utmost respect
Focus on potentials, to overcome limitations
Where can I find reliable in-home senior care in Toluca Lake?
Whether you’re living in North Hollywood or anywhere else in Los Angeles County, you can rely on our experts in Toluca Lake. We refer only the most trustworthy professionals that can assist you with a range of daily tasks.
For instance, they can help your elderly relatives manage their personal hygiene, prepare meals, take medication, engage in light physical activities, water the plants or take care of the pets around the household and do some minor cleaning tasks. Call us today to check all the benefits you can reap from our services.
Throughout the world, medical advances have helped prolong life expectancy and improve the quality of life of seniors. However, with an ageing population come different challenges in terms of public health policy.
If you’re looking for experienced residential caregivers for your elderly relatives in Toluca Lake and surrounding communities, you can rely on companies specialized in home care. However, finding in-home help wasn’t always that easy. Read on to learn how the industry has changed over the last couple of decades.
How senior home care has changed
Speaking about technological changes and advancement, the system of in-home medical and non-medical assistance has made great strides forward. Only two decades ago, the caregiver role was more about the maintenance, now it’s more complex. Let’s take a look how the industry of in-home assistance has changed:
Rising demand
The elderly represent a rapidly growing demographic in the United States. According to Census projections, the age group above 65 is expected to account for 20% of the population by 2030. The aging process is not uniform among all Americans; some groups are more likely than others to experience declining health and disability as they age. The following
People who suffer from dementia
Elderly people that struggle with depression
Seniors whose families can’t keep up with their daily care
Delayed admission to nursing facilities
Nursing home mortality rates have led to the increase in in-house assistance that is paid through Medicaid. Such services might prolong the time before people need to turn to assisted living facilities. Also, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic families are hesitant to send their elderly relatives to hospitals or nursery homes.
The pandemic has given rise to many new issues which need to be addressed about how healthcare and in-home assistance is provided for this segment of society. In addition, it has caused the known issues of social isolation and loneliness to become more severe. Here, in-home assistance can play yet another significant role.
Insurance changes
Another factor that has a significant impact are changes in insurance policies. As of recent, non-skilled home care has been approved for Medicaid Advantage recipients under the following criteria:
As a compensation for physical impairments,
To reduce the effects of injuries or chronic conditions
As a means to decrease the chances of avoidable emergencies
Telemedicine
Studies have shown that many patients favor telehealth over the usual doctor checkups and are willing to use it for non-urgent purposes. This technological advance has proven to be the right means to improve in-home patient care.
Seniors living alone or with limited support systems at home can benefit from it, this allows them more time to live independently. It reduces numerous factors, such as falls, dehydration, malnutrition, skipping prescribed medicine etc.
Increased use of technology
Providers of non-medical assistance are increasingly using technology to improve their communication with clients and between staff. Using tablets and other smart devices gives the opportunity to update and monitor the status of the patient in real time. This is especially important, as it keeps the family members informed and reduces stress. Other improvements are also taking place:
Increased use of sophisticated software in the recruitment process.
A more comprehensive use of scheduling software that enhances communication across the board.
CRM technology, that allows users to better integrate various client information and implement useful changes.
Retention of staff
As the demand for domestic services has greatly increased, retention of staff in medical and non-medical settings becomes a major priority in the care industry. People are encouraged to join the industry, as there are many reasons to become a professional caregiver. You would need to receive some guidance on how to take care of the elderly first, but you can definitely find opportunities for your career.
Where in Toluca Lake can I find dependable home care?
Elderly residents of Toluca Lake don’t have to look far, as A Better Way in Home Care is just around the corner to make their life easier. We serve many thriving communities along the San Fernandino Valley and beyond.
We can match you with caregivers who offer a variety of services. Whether you need live-in care, or part-time help, you can count on us. Our caregivers can help with many daily tasks, including personal hygiene, walking, doing simple household chores, taking care of plants and pets, and driving the client to see the doctor. Before we recommend the caregiver that will suit you best, we conduct meticulous background screening.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts and questions about our services. We are awaiting your call!
Home care for seniors is a growing industry in the United States. In many cases, family members are unable to take care of their elderly parents and grandparents because they cannot afford to take time off work or don’t have the skills needed to do the job. Here is where professional caregivers come in. These selfless and empathetic individuals improve senior’s quality of life by offering them companionship and comprehensive assistance with daily activities.
If you’d like to take up home care in Toluca Lake, this guide will help you learn how to become a provider so that you can render this valuable service and make some money while doing it. Read on to go over the process that is involved in becoming a professional caregiver.
The first step is deciding what type of qualification you need. Depending on your state, there may be different types of certifications required. Start by checking your state’s requirements for certification as a home care provider. Next, you can look for suitable programs at a community college or vocational school because they often provide ones on the subject. Some agencies also provide training to new hires, but you have better chances of being hired if you acquire qualifications beforehand.
Gaining experience
As you begin your search for a home care provider job, look into volunteer opportunities to gain experience. You can use the time spent working in someone’s home as an interview opportunity if asked what prior work history you have and how it relates to being a caregiver. Volunteering will also show employers that you are willing to invest your own resources in gaining skills they see as valuable such as compassion and understanding of people at different life stages or with disabilities.
If there aren’t any volunteer positions available where you live, consider taking on clients who are family members while still maintaining another full time position elsewhere.
Applying for jobs
A home care agency serves as an excellent resource for someone who wants to start a career in the senior home care industry. Many agencies are always looking for new employees, so it is likely that you will be a good fit if you have your certifications ready. Look for relevant job openings that exist in your area by searching online or contacting local agencies about their current needs. Also, create a resume highlighting any education or experience related to working with seniors.
These competent professionals will assist seniors with getting dressed, using the bathroom, going to the doctor, staying on schedule with meals and medications, and possibly even taking a walk by the Los Angeles River. We’ll design your plan of care based on your specific needs. Give us a call to discuss your requirements and schedule your part-time, full-time, temporary, or hourly service. We love making seniors live fulfilling lives!
If you’re looking for a meaningful career that will make the world a better place, home care may be just what you’re looking for. This career choice is an excellent opportunity to spend time with elderly people who need your help and provide them with the compassion and comfort they deserve. By providing important services to our aging population, you’ll be both giving back to society and making an important career move.
If you’re considering becoming a home care provider in Toluca Lake, read on to discover the most rewarding aspects of this line of work.
Why work in home health care?
At-home care offers much more than just physical support – it improves quality of life by providing social interaction, medication management, and mental stimulation. Discover the advantages of providing such a vital service and get a step closer to becoming a professional caregiver for the elderly.
The opportunity to make a difference
People who work in senior home care often have a large impact on the community. These professionals help seniors stay at their homes for as long as possible, which reduces stress on families to provide constant assistance with activities of daily living. The opportunity to make a difference is one reason why people choose careers in senior home care. Many employees are recruited from caring families that see firsthand how valuable these jobs can be.
Invaluable professional experience
Caregivers have a chance to develop their skills in fields like medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and more. For example, you’ll have experience thinking on your feet, managing difficult situations, adapting to changing circumstances, and addressing varying types of client needs. This skill set may allow you to take on bigger opportunities in the future. And all of these benefits are available without ever having to leave your hometown or relocate from family and friends.
Chance for personal growth
Professional caregivers have an opportunity to practice patience, empathy, selflessness, problem solving skills, communication abilities, and active listening. They have a privilege of having access to people who might not open up with others around them because of their age or generation gap. Seniors often trust professional carers more than family members and they can share fantastic insights from their extensive life experience.
Good employment potential
There are many in-home senior care jobs available. Most senior caregivers help with bathing or activities like walking around the block. Some of them also involve providing transportation for seniors, as well as some housekeeping and meal preparation services. Even if someone doesn’t want to work full time, they can still find something that fits their schedule and works with their situation.
Flexible work hours
You can work in home care full-time or part-time, depending on your preferences. Depending on your client’s particular needs, you could only be at work for a few hours a day. This type of flexibility could be perfect for a student, pensioner, or stay-at-home parent looking for a side job.
Where can I find dependable home care in Toluca Lake?
If you wish to give your elderly relative best-in-class care, count on A Better Way in Home Care in Toluca Lake or the nearby neighborhoods in Los Angeles. We partner seniors with competent, understanding, and background-checked home care professionals. The services are either full-time, part-time, hourly, or temporary – you can choose the arrangement that best matches your needs.
Your package will be customized to meet the specific challenges that your senior loved one faces. For example, the carer may help them go to the bathroom, shower, get dressed, groom, and walk as well as look after their home and pets. We always strive to improve our approach to careand cater to the unique needs of our elderly clients. Make your loved one’s old age pleasant and comfortable!
Even if a senior person you care about is not entirely dependent on you, they still need occasional help around the house, a ride to the grocery store or the doctor’s office, or supervision of their diet and medication regimens. But time is a scarce resource and sometimes you just need a long, well-deserved break. It can be difficult to find time for one when you have an elderly loved one to look after.
Adult day care, which incorporates social activities and caring for a person’s health and wellbeing could be the solution you need. Much like independently provided home care in Cheviot Hills or other neighborhoods in the area, adult day care is a valuable resource for overworked family caregivers who are struggling to keep up with the demands of senior care, which can turn into a full-time job in its own right.
So what services do adult day care centers offer and how does adult day care work?
What are day care centers for the elderly?
Adult day care services are normally only available during daytime hours on weekdays. This is ideal for family caregivers who would otherwise have difficulty attending their own doctor’s appointments or running errands, especially if they also have full-time jobs and young children to take care of.
When it comes to adult day care or any other form of specialized senior care, each person has unique needs. Different people require different levels of service. Many adult day care centers offer social and recreational opportunities and focus on non-medical custodial care, but some day care centers for the elderly offer a more comprehensive scope of services:
Social activities
Nutrition
Personal care
Health services
Transportation
Adult day health care centers offer health services in addition to a range of senior activities and social programs. There are also specialized dementia care facilities that provide closer supervision of care recipients.
Who attends adult day care centres?
Adult day care centers are suitable for seniors over the age of 65 who need some form of a long-term care service. Individuals who attend adult day care centers are not necessarily ill and frail. They can be perfectly fit seniors looking for companionship and an opportunity to socialize and spend quality time with peers.
In the short term, adult day care is a flexible, economical solution for overworked caregivers who need respite. However, in the long term, care recipients may require a more personalized approach within a familiar setting where they can enjoy peace, quiet and privacy.
Does Medicare cover senior day care?
Medicare alone does not cover the costs of adult day care, but some Medicare Advantage Plans may provide partial coverage.
Looking for comprehensive home care in Cheviot Hills and the LA area?
Some of us grow old without ever having to give up on our independence and freedom. Others end up in need of assistance. This is nothing to be ashamed of. The older we get, the less independent we are and the more assistance we need. This is the circle of life.
This is why it is so important to have a reliable someone to fall back on, and it does not have to be a family member. Professional caregivers provide their services in the comfort of senior homes in Cheviot Hills and other Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Finding a person you can trust to take good care of your aging loved one is no easy feat. That is where we come in. Let us help you improve your elderly loved one’s quality of life without asking them to give up on their independence or the home they have worked so hard all their lives to build. Contact A Better Way in Home Care now!
Sarah is swamped with work and concerned about the outcome of her upcoming child custody hearing because she and her estranged husband failed to work things out. No wonder she didn’t notice that her mom was becoming increasingly forgetful, and for reasons other than old age. Little does she know that her mother’s condition could deteriorate rapidly without proper care and treatment.
Many seniors experience memory issues and this is a normal part of getting old. But for some seniors, these issues are signs of a more serious predicament: Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Being diagnosed with dementia is devastating news for the person with the condition and their loved ones.
So what is a memory care and what are its benefits for individuals struggling with dementia-related memory loss? What are the more affordable alternatives to memory care?
What is included in memory care?
Memory care is a specialized form of adult care. It is sometimes also referred to as Alzheimer’s care, because Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely known form of dementia. Within memory care, individuals struggling with a form of dementia receive 24-hour care whereas specialized memory care facilities also provide housing combined with 24-hour care.
These facilities focus on making the residents’ living environment safe and comfortable. The environment is uniquely designed to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy, reduce confusion and prevent wandering. These are typical behaviors of individuals battling dementia which may have devastating consequences.
Memory care can have a considerable positive impact on patients with dementia and greatly improve their quality of life. Patients get to spend time in a secure, familiar environment and specialized staff takes care of their needs.
However, memory care is expensive. Although Medicare covers some aspects of dementia, the vast majority of patients cannot afford it. This is why their families often look for alternatives such as adult day care services, family caregivers or home caregivers with experience in assisting clients with dementia.
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Individuals with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be physically fit and mobile, especially in the early stages of the disease. But as the condition progresses, they require a higher level of care, assistance, and supervision.
The staff at a memory care facility has undergone specialized training. They have experience in helping patients with dementia. Residents may also have access to and benefit from memory-enhancing therapies. On the other hand, memory care facilities may be too restrictive for someone with early onset of dementia.
Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, are primarily intended for individuals who are unable to cope with daily activities and need assistance with meal preparation, personal hygiene, medication regimens, etc., usually because of considerable mobility issues or other medical conditions. This housing facility is suitable for people with disabilities but it is also available to other individuals who cannot or choose not to live independently and on their own.
How do you know if your loved one needs memory care?
A person does not need to be officially diagnosed with a dementia-related condition for its friends and family to know that something is wrong. Often, a person with dementia will undergo a radical, visible decline in overall health.
Signs and symptoms of dementia can become more dangerous over time and lead to life-threatening outcomes, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. In addition to serious signs of memory loss, the person may show the following physical signs:
Issues with the medication regimen (skipping doses or overdosing)
No food in the house
Various forms of self-neglect (lack of personal hygiene, poor feeding, not wearing appropriate clothing, not tending to medical conditions)
Drastic weight loss
Hunched posture
Strange bruising, fractures or other injuries
Unpaid bills
Missing important appointments
Alienation from social circle
Individuals with dementia need person-centered dementia care within a full continuum of care coordinated across other physical and mental health care services. But especially beneficial for dementia patients is that they feel safe, comfortable, and familiar with their living environment.
If you notice signs of memory loss in a family member, it may be time to consult a specialist and see if your aging loved one may be battling a chronic illness. That way, they can start treatment in a timely manner.
Your safest choice for homecare in Cheviot Hills and other LA neighborhoods
Catering to the specific needs of your aging loved one can be challenging and demanding, especially if they are experiencing dementia-induced memory loss. But that does not mean they need to resign themselves to a life of solitude and infinite restrictions.
No environment feels as secure as home. This is where we come in. We can match you with experienced caregivers who are capable of dealing with any scenario. We can help you find a compassionate and caring senior care professional with a kind and patient bedside manner, one who will show up at your loved one’s home in Cheviot Hills or elsewhere in LA ready to provide them with the care they need. Contact us today to find out more.
At long last, we have reached the point at which we can hope to leave the uncertainty we faced throughout the year 2020 behind us. The prospect of the world bringing the pandemic under control seems realistic, as long as we remain careful and continue to take certain precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. Although it is far from over, we are in a better place than we were a year ago. Easier access to personalized home care in Cheviot Hills and other areas can also significantly contribute to the quality of life of seniors across the LA County region.
But what are the key takeaways from the pandemic? What does it mean for the senior population?
Is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our mental health?
One can argue that the pandemic has changed Americans of all ages and that will life may never be completely the same again. Some have picked up valuable lessons from the experience, while others may have bitter memories of the whole period.
But how has the pandemic affected seniors? Aside from the obvious damage to the physical health in those who have contracted but managed to overcome the virus, being under lockdown and forced into isolation has taken a toll on seniors’ mental health.
What can be done to help the elderly during the coronavirus disease pandemic?
Individuals with pre-existing mental, neurological or other conditions, which is often the case with the elderly population, may be more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection and they may face a higher risk of severe outcomes. But now that vaccination is underway and the pandemic seems to be more manageable, we all feel more at ease and safer going about our daily lives and adjusting to the new normal which is beginning to resemble the life before the pandemic.
Still, for seniors and the elderly, there is still a risk that the situation may take an unexpected turn for the worse and that they will once again be deprived of the possibility to engage in normal, healthy social interactions and other activities.
Seniors across the country face similar challenges that had been there long before the pandemic, especially among the newly retired. But the pandemic has further isolated seniors from the rest of the community. It is therefore for friends and family to discuss these issues openly with their senior loved ones and be mindful of the following:
Seniors living alone at home often face unmet needs, but professional senior care providers can help close that gap.
Now more than ever, aging individuals need mental health and psychosocial support.
If the pandemic has taught us anything in terms of senior care, it is how valuable any programs which enable seniors to stay in their homes are, and that staying out of long-term care facilities is often in the best interest of seniors across the country.
Inability to connect with family and loved ones was one of the key challenges for most seniors during the pandemic and isolation has also been a barrier for quality senior care during COVID-19.
In addition to the risk of the disease itself, there are the lingering effects of the pandemic to cope with, especially for those who have lost a loved one to it.
Helping seniors become more savvy and confident about using and communicating through technology is a simple and effective way to help them cope with the pandemic and help them feel less isolated.
Tailored senior home care in Cheviot Hills and other LA communities
Seniors need a connection with their loved ones, and when that is not an option, caregivers are there to step in and help out. Explore flexible senior home care plans for senior residents of Venice and the surrounding areas of LA and LA County. When seniors have their basic care such as housekeeping and meals taken care of, they are in a better position to enjoy living as a healthy, independent adult. At A Better Way in Home Care, we work hard to continually improve seniors’ access to quality in-home care. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us anytime.
Seniors in the United States now live longer than ever before and the quality of life for American seniors is better than ever before. What’s more, many senior adults happily reach their senior years without any serious health concerns. And it just so happens that early retirement could further increase lifespan.
A large portion of the senior population is capable of living independently or with some assistance. Some choose to move to a retirement home or a less traditional alternative such as a retirement community, others to downsize, but often the preferred option for seniors across the country is to continue living in their own homes. On top of that, LA seniors have easier access to homecare in Cheviot Hills and other communities across the city of Los Angeles.
So what are some reasons to consider early retirement and how can you help your senior loved one adjust to their new way of life?
What are good reasons to retire?
If a person has spent a lifetime focusing on their career, they may eventually become fed up with workplace stress and burnout, and ready for a radical change. Seniors may opt for early retirement for a number of other reasons, depending on personal circumstances:
Stable financial standing
Ability to enjoy life and explore new possibilities such as pursuing old passions or taking up new hobbies
Now that work is no longer the focal point, things are much more flexible and there is less pressure to deal with. But many seniors have a hard time adapting because they are used to being productive and feel useless once they retire. To help a senior adjust to retirement, consider the following options:
Be prepared for the retiree to go through a broad spectrum of emotions: happiness, confusion, anxiety, boredom
Help them adopt healthy coping mechanisms
Recommend engaging activities for a more fulfilling retirement routine, such as growing their friendships and expanding their social circle or adopting a pet from the local animal shelter
Help them set small goals like spending every Saturday with their grandchildren or taking a roadtrip on a monthly basis
Look for convenient part-time jobs such as mentoring young people or volunteering opportunities such as tutoring kids in the area
Help them create a realistic long-term budget
Take advantage of technology: The internet has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives, and seniors are no exception. With the help of user-friendly technology, retirees can easily keep in touch with their family and friends or even learn new skills.
How long does it take to adjust to retirement?
Each person is different. For some, the first few months of retirement is an exciting time of newfound freedom and thrilling opportunities, for others, it is a source of stress, frustration, anxiety and a difficult period of psychological adjustment. All this may also depend on what other changes retirement involves.
Living in an intimate, tight-knit community surrounded by friendly neighbors is the ideal scenario we all imagine as the life we will lead as we age, but for many seniors, this is not a realistic scenario. Some retired seniors may need to or choose to downsize and relocate to reduce their costs of living.
A caregiver can help ease the transition for new retirees if family members are not around, especially for those retirees who have recently downsized for the purpose of cutting down their expenses.
Personalized homecare solutions in Cheviot Hills and areas across LA
Access to quality senior care from the comfort of one’s home, especially in the light of the ongoing pandemic, can make a huge difference in a person’s life. If you want to make sure your recently retired parent enjoys a healthy, fulfilled life and an independent lifestyle in Venice or other parts of LA, we can help you make it happen.
The caregiver we refer offer a full continuum of care for seniors and we can work out an arraignment that works best for you and that best accommodates seniors’ changing needs. Let us help you overcome the challenges of coordinating your senior loved one’s care. For more details on the services offered by our referred caregivers, contact us anytime.
