Seniors Helping Seniors

02/06/2018

Sweet Esther is 105!

We have a wonderful dear client that we have had the privilege and joy of caring for now for 5 years! I met her in her home when she was 99; shortly thereafter she moved to a nursing home, but her family wanted us to stay involved to keep her company. Esther is almost deaf, and nearly blind, and our assignment is to visit her 6 days a week (she wouldn’t hear of us working on Sundays!) to help her with her lunch and then read (actually yell!) the newspaper to her. I believe her family thought this would all be a short-term relationship since she seemed to be declining when she went to the facility. Well, much to everyone’s surprise, here we are celebrating Esther’s 105th birthday! And sweet little Esther is still as feisty as ever; she listens intently to the newspaper articles and very often has comments and opinions! Our providers all just love her, and they fight over who gets to visit her!! I have 6 different ladies visit Esther each week - I have to share her, and everybody only gets one day each! (my oldest provider is 88!). I know in my heart, and everyone on our team would agree, that the main reason Esther is still with us, is because of us!! She has daily socialization with our visits, she has friends who love her and visit daily, she has mental stimulation from our daily reading, and she has something to look forward to every single day (plus her son also visits often, and comes every Sunday). Without us, she would sit in her dark and silent world and be totally alone except for the occasional poke from a nurse. She is a joy to care for, and truly a part of our SHS family; many happy returns, Esther!

12/04/2017

11/14/2017

Video Games Get Seniors' Bodies and Minds Moving

Many nursing homes and assisted living communities have already recognized the recreational and exercise benefits that Nintendo's Wii sports games offer for elderly adults. Seniors living at home could also benefit by owning a Wii or other video game system controlled by motion. The games offer a fun opportunity for seniors to engage in light physical activity from the comfort of their own living room.

Video Chat and Social Media Keep Seniors in Touch While no technology can take the place of in-person human interaction, video chat services like Skype, or Internet-based communication channels such as email and social media, can supplement seniors' social interactions … Read More

11/14/2017

Exercising for Seniors

Individuals generally exercise to see the number on the scale fall, pant sizes drop, and muscles grow. But at all ages, exercising should enhance the quality of life and in seniors, this is particularly true. It is important for this population to realize age is a quantifiable number and should not dictate exercise practices, as simple exercises can have a renowned effect on their health and reduce future conditions.

Fitness Exercises for Senior In-home Care Seniors need to stay active and there are many types of simple exercises they can do inside the home to be safe. Staying active promotes heart health, muscle strength, and improved balance. When it … Read More

11/14/2017

Many seniors who live independently can perform most or all IADLs sufficiently. Difficulty in performing some IADLs can be used to indicate where help is needed. It is common for family caregivers to provide assistance with IADLs. This is a great way to allow the senior to remain at home as long as possible, delaying the need for long term care.

http://seniorcarenebraskacity.com/senior-in-home-care/instrumental-activities-daily-living-iadls/

Where ADLs address one's ability to function fundamentally, IADLs cover the more nuanced and complex social activities in one's life. IADLs may include but are not limited to: Light housework and chores Meal preparation and cleanup Managing of finances Managing … Read More

11/14/2017

Examining Your Home Care Needs

While the need to bring in outside assistance for your loved one may have been a result of procrastination, it could also be the result of an unexpected medical emergency, death of a loved one's spouse, or other life changing event. You, or someone very close to your loved one should spend some time with them to view first hand what tasks or activities of daily living they may require assistance with.

http://seniorcarenebraskacity.com/senior-care/finding-choosing-home-care-provider/

Finding the most appropriate home care provider for your loved one will require preparation, effective research and some interviewing. We'll explore the options for home care services, insurance and cost analysis and the best ways to find quality care. Before beginning … Read More

11/14/2017

Independent seniors. Independent seniors who are mobile but no longer driving have the option of using public transportation, where available. Public buses and trains are viable options for the active senior. Discounts are typically available for seniors, which will help keep the cost down.

http://seniorcarenebraskacity.com/senior-care/transportation-options-aging-loved-one/

Some seniors need help with basic transportation and it is determined by frequency of transportation needs, proximity to public transportation or family members with vehicles, and income all play into local transportation options for seniors aging at home. Family and … Read More

11/14/2017

For in-home senior care, the number of ADLs that one may require assistance with is used to determine the resident's level of care and in some cases may effect the cost of services.

In the senior in-home care industry a person who requires assistance with ADLs may be evaluated by a social worker or a qualified medical professional. ADLs consist of the following self-care tasks: Bathing Continence Dressing & Un******ng Eating Toileting (ability … Read More