Why Elder Care Providers for Seniors a Good Idea

Across the country, millions of senior citizens struggle to live on their own, independent of help from others. Numerous health issues often prevent them from being able to complete important and necessary tasks related to health and safety. Family members often worry about their aging relatives and try to help when possible. However, due to their own responsibilities, they can’t always be with their aging loved one when needed. When family caregivers see the signs that their elderly relative is struggling as they age at home, they should investigate hiring an elder care provider. Professional, compassionate and reliable, elder care providers can lend a hand to seniors who are seeing daily life as increasingly challenging. Personal Care Physical limitations often leave elderly adults unable to complete their morning routines on their own. From slipping in the shower to managing button holes on a shirt, some of the most basic tasks are out of reach due to health issues and chronic conditions. The elder care provider is trained to help seniors with a range of tasks relating to personal care. Getting Around the Home and the Community Reduced mobility often makes getting around the house a real challenge. This is especially true for seniors who struggle with things like the after-effects of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or age-related muscle weakness. Sometimes, seniors need help getting in and out of bed or up and down from a chair. Elder care providers can walk with seniors and get them settled in, always on hand in case they need anything. These professionals can also drive elderly adults to appointments around town, such as to pick up prescriptions. Preparing Meals and Snacks Many elderly adults no longer have the stamina or ability to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Malnutrition and dehydration are quite common in elderly people who can’t execute meal plans as they once did. Elder care providers can shop for groceries, prepare meals and snacks, and even eat with the aging adult to make those potentially lonely times more of a social event. Medication Management Surveys show that most elderly adults take at least two prescription medicines per day, if not more. Used to control numerous symptoms, prescription medication should be taken at the right time at the proper dose. However, elderly adults don’t always remember to do so, or may take their meds improperly. Elder care providers, while unable to administer medication, can remind seniors what to take and when. Companionship The best part about elder care providers and in-home assistants is that they can be with the elderly person when they would otherwise be alone. Loneliness, isolation and depression in seniors have been linked to increased health problems, mental health decline and a reduced quality of life. Building a relationship with a compassionate elder care provider is a proven benefit for aging adults.  If you or an aging loved-one are considering a Home Care in Lexington, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.

Why an Evaluation is Crucial for Successful In-Home Care

When considering in-home care for a loved one, a thorough home care evaluation is a vital first step. This assessment ensures that the care provided meets the unique needs of the individual, creating a safe and supportive environment that promotes their well-being and independence. Understanding Individual Needs A home care evaluation allows for a personalized care plan tailored to the specific needs of your loved one. Beth McCrary, Client Care Specialist with Solutions for Living at Home, emphasizes the importance of this process. "Part of my role as a client care manager is that I do go in and meet with the family and do a thorough home evaluation and care assessment. I like to do that with both the client who needs care and with an adult relative...because that helps me get the full picture of what the care needs are." Identifying Safety Concerns One of the key components of a home care evaluation is identifying potential safety hazards within the home. This includes checking for trip hazards like rugs and cords, ensuring grab bars are installed in the bathroom, and looking for clutter that might obstruct pathways. By addressing these issues, the risk of accidents is significantly reduced, creating a safer environment for your loved one. Tailoring Care Plans During the evaluation, a comprehensive understanding of daily routines, dietary needs, and personal preferences is established. This allows caregivers to provide support that aligns with the individual's lifestyle, promoting comfort and familiarity. Additionally, continuous communication between the care manager, caregivers, and family members ensures that the care plan evolves with the changing needs of the client. Continuous Reevaluation of Care Plans Care needs can change over time due to various factors such as health conditions, mobility issues, or cognitive changes. A good home care service should frequently reevaluate the needs of the client to ensure the care plan remains effective and relevant. As McCrary points out, "The caregivers often become aware of care needs that the family was unaware of...there is constant communication between me and the caregivers and also the family members to keep a service plan, a plan of care up to date and current as the care needs change." According to a report from the National Institute on Aging, regular reassessments are crucial for adapting care to meet evolving needs and ensuring the highest quality of life for seniors. This highlights the importance of choosing a home care service that prioritizes ongoing evaluations. Enhancing Family Support A home care evaluation also strengthens family support services. By involving family members in the assessment process, a collaborative approach is fostered, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the care provided. This collaboration helps to alleviate stress and build trust between the family and the care team. Ensuring Comprehensive and Adaptive Care In summary, a home care evaluation is crucial for making in-home care a success. It allows for the creation of a personalized, safe, and effective care plan that addresses the unique needs of your loved one. By identifying safety concerns, tailoring care plans, and enhancing family support, the evaluation process ensures that in-home care is both effective and compassionate. Regular reevaluations are essential to adapt to changing needs, maintaining the highest standard of care. For more information on our comprehensive care solutions and services, visit our Solutions for Living at Home page. Beth McCrary's full interview on Navigating in Reverse: The Podcast can be found on their website or anywhere you enjoy your favorite podcasts.  

Why Facebook May Be A Great Addition To Your Life

Do you have children or grandchildren you would like to keep up with? Would you like to see their photos from that amazing beach vacation they just took or photos from your grandchild’s graduation ceremony? Then Facebook may be a great thing for you to try. Facebook is also a great tool to learn more about topics that interest you, keep up with promotional opportunities from your favorite brands, news and events happening in the area, or even start an online business. Not to mention, it can be very entertaining. If you aren’t aware of what Facebook is, it’s a social networking site that allows you to share photos, videos and status updates with your friends. “Status update” is basically just a fancy way of saying that you can tell everyone what you are up to. According to Hootsuite, over 2.2 billion people log into Facebook every month, so there is a good chance your loved ones use Facebook frequently. And if you think you are “too old” for Facebook, don’t worry. The number of Facebook users over the age of 65 makes up over 40% of the total number of Facebook users, so you would be in great company! If you would like to create a Facebook account, here are some steps to do so according to Facebook’s Help Center: 1) Go to www.facebook.com/r.php 2) Enter your name, email or mobile phone number, password, date of birth, and gender 3) Click Sign Up 4) To finish creating your account, you need to confirm your email or mobile phone number. (A message will be sent to either your email address or mobile phone and you just click Verify or Confirm”) And that’s it! The possibilities with Facebook are endless and we hope you consider using this fun tool.

Why a Home Safety Assessment Is Essential for Quality Home Care

For families navigating the complexities of advanced home care, ensuring a safe and accessible home environment is one of the most crucial steps. A home safety assessment helps identify potential hazards, improve mobility, and create a space where loved ones can thrive with dignity and independence. In our latest #AskTheExpert segment, we explored why home safety should be a top priority and how a professional assessment can make all the difference. What Is a Home Safety Assessment? A home safety assessment is a thorough evaluation of a living space to identify risks that could lead to falls, injuries, or barriers to daily activities. This process is especially important for older adults, individuals with disabilities, or anyone receiving continuous home care. At Solutions, our Client Care Managers conduct these assessments, working closely with families to ensure the home environment is optimized for comfort, accessibility, and peace of mind. While our Solutions Partners (caregivers) provide ongoing insight into safety concerns, the initial assessment is led by our experienced Client Care Managers. Why Home Safety Assessments Matter 1. Prevents Falls and Injuries Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. During a home safety assessment, our Client Care Managers evaluate factors like slippery floors, loose rugs, poor lighting, and stair accessibility to minimize risks. Expert Insight: In our #AskTheExpert discussion, we highlighted how small modifications—like grab bars in bathrooms or non-slip mats—can prevent dangerous falls and support aging in place. 2. Supports Independent Living A well-adapted home allows individuals to maintain their independence longer. Assessments focus on enhancing home mobility aids such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and ergonomic furniture placement to support daily activities without assistance. 3. Creates a Comfortable and Functional Space Beyond safety, assessments focus on holistic home care by ensuring a living space promotes overall well-being. This might include adjusting furniture for better navigation, optimizing kitchen spaces for accessibility, or even improving lighting for better visibility. Key Areas Evaluated in a Home Safety Assessment Entryways & Stairs – Are ramps, railings, and non-slip surfaces in place? Bathrooms – Are grab bars, shower chairs, and anti-scald devices installed? Lighting – Is the home well-lit to reduce fall risks? Furniture & Layout – Is the space easy to navigate for wheelchairs or walkers? Emergency Preparedness – Are smoke detectors, medical alerts, and emergency contacts easily accessible? Making Home Safety a Priority A home safety assessment isn’t just about modifying a space—it’s about ensuring family support services that promote independence, comfort, and well-being. Whether your loved one is aging at home or recovering from an illness, a proactive approach to home safety can make all the difference. Caring for a loved one is easier with the right support. Let our team help you create a home environment that promotes safety, dignity, and peace of mind.

Why Your Parents Should Take a Closer Look at the DASH Diet

According to the American Heart Association, around 103 million men and women in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Some of this increase is due to the change in hypertension guidelines. In a 10-year span, there was a 38 percent increase in deaths related to high blood pressure. Of those who are at least 40 years old, about 56 million also meet the requirements for needing medications to help lower cholesterol levels. For people with high blood pressure, doctors often recommend two things. One is to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily for at least five days each week. The second thing is to follow the DASH diet. Do you know what this diet is? What You Need to Know About the DASH Diet DASH Stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, and low-fat or nonfat dairy items. Most people eat anywhere from 1,600 to 3,100 calories per day depending on activity levels. Men and women over the age of 51 are recommended to be in the lower end of this calorie scale. The DASH Diet limits sodium intake and avoids sugars and saturated fat. Studies were performed in adults with blood pressures ranging from 120 to 159 (systolic) over 80 to 95 (diastolic). After a full two weeks on this diet and an entire month of lowering sodium intake, most participants found their blood pressure readings dropped by an average of 7.3 points for systolic blood pressure and 3.6 points for diastolic. Dietary Guidelines for DASH Diet Meals and Snacks Based on a 2,000-calorie diet plan, the goal of the DASH diet is to create meals and snacks that are high in calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and protein. You should meet these requirements each day. 6 to 8 servings of whole grains (Barley, farro, and quinoa are examples.) 6 servings of lean proteins (Especially fish and seafood) 4 to 5 servings of vegetables4 to 5 servings of fruit 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy 2 to 3 servings of healthy fats and oils while avoiding saturated and trans fats (Avocado, olive, and sunflower oil are good options.) No more than 2,300 mg of sodium with 1,500 mg being the goal On a weekly basis, desserts and sweets need to be limited to no more than 5 servings. Nuts and beans need to be limited to 4 or 5 servings a week. Management of high blood pressure requires diet and exercise. It may also require your mom or dad to take medications every day. If they can't remember on their own, they'll need reminders. Talk to a senior care agency about caregivers. They can cook meals, drive your parents to appointments, and remind them when it's time to take a walk or take daily medications. Call a senior care agency to learn more. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Cayce, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.

You're an Only Child, so How Can You Get Breaks From Caregiving?

An estimated 34 million adults in the U.S. are family caregivers helping an adult 50 or older. Those 34 million don't get any pay for that care. The average caregiver spends an average of 19 days helping out and 13 hours arranging medical care, paying bills, and researching matters related to care.  Some caregivers have other family members they can fall back on for help. What if you're an only child? It can be harder to take breaks, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Create a List of the Care Your Parents Need Before you do anything else, create a calendar of the care your parents need. Create a daily schedule, weekly schedule, and monthly schedule. Set it up on a computer and print out copies. Daily tasks often include things like medication reminders, walking the dog, assistance getting dressed, and meal preparation. Weekly tasks focus on things like laundry, changing sheets, grocery shopping, and vacuuming carpets. Monthly tasks typically include prescription refills, paying bills, and scheduling medical appointments. Talk to Everyone You Know It's hard but talk to everyone close to your parents or yourself. Your mom's best friend may have three hours a week where she'd be happy to spend time with your mom. Your dad's brother may have a day free to take him out for lunch. It never hurts to ask. The worst that happens is you're told no. You can also call the local Agency on Aging to see if there are volunteer organizations near you. Some churches have volunteers who will send someone to help out from time to time. You might also find a high schooler who needs to complete a certain number of community service hours before he or she can graduate. Bring a printout of the care your parents need each day, week, and month. When others see what you're doing, you might find someone willing to take one task off your list. Your mom's friend may offer to drive her to an appointment. Your dad's brother may offer to pick up groceries if you order them online. Arrange Part-Time Senior Care Services Arrange to have caregivers come in on a part-time basis and help fill gaps that others can't help with. Make sure you're arranging enough care to leave you with at least an hour free each day. Use this hour to take a walk, de-stress, or take care of your own household obligations. Respite care services are easily arranged by calling a senior care agency. Call now to find out more. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in West Columbia, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173. Sources: https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics

2020 Best of Home Care Awards

2023 Best of Home Care Awards for Compassionate and Quality Home Care

Since 2007, Solutions for Living at Home, a ministry of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, has been providing compassionate and quality home care to individuals of all ages with varying circumstances and needs. Our goal is to exceed the needs and expectations of those we serve in the Midlands and surrounding counties. Solutions for Living at Home recently received the distinguished 2023 Best of Home Care - Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice Awards from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for home care businesses and endorsed by the Home Care Association of America. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest  recognition awarded and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in IO or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Experience, Solutions for Living at Home is now recognized among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide HCP Experience Management Program. This accomplishment demonstrates Solutions for Living at Home's long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of Solutions for Living at Home's clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by HCP. Over a 12-month period, Solutions for Living at Home received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility, and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from HCP, the Solutions for Living at Home management team set goals to reach the highest level of experience possible. Esther H. Ilderton, Director of Solutions for Living at Home said, "Receiving the 2023 Best of Home Care Leader in Experience Award, Provider of Choice Award and Employer of Choice Award is an honor and recognizes the dedication and hearts of our caregivers, scheduling team and administrative staff who continually strive to provide the best in home care services.” "At Home Care Pulse, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations," says Todd Austin, President of HCP. "When we see agencies like Solutions for Living at Home that have so effectively provided outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we're on the right track. Solutions for Living at Home has worked extremely hard to prioritize high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn't gone unnoticed. This award allows them to show proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.” Whether simple or challenging, Solutions for Living at Home is available to partner with you for your home care needs.

3 Kinds of Arthritis That Affect Older Adults

About a third of people with arthritis say that arthritis pain makes it difficult for them to do the things they enjoy. A quarter of them say that the pain is severe. Arthritis isn’t a single disease. It is a group of more than 100 diseases that affect the joints. Below are 3 common kinds of arthritis.   Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It happens because of the “wear and tear” that joints are exposed to with use. It usually develops as a person ages, but it can be caused by injuries to joints and the stress placed on joints by obesity. The joints that are normally affected are those that bear weight, such as the knees, spine, feet, and hips. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that protects the bones in joints breaks down. A senior with osteoarthritis may experience the following symptoms: Aching pain. A feeling of stiffness in the morning that usually goes away in about half an hour. Feeling stiff after resting for a while. Pain during walking.   Gout Gout is caused by having too much uric acid in the body, which leads to uric crystals developing in the joints. The crystals cause inflammation and pain in the joints. Gout most often occurs in the joints of the big toe or in other parts of the foot. Many times, the older adult will be woken in the night by extreme pain in their foot. A gout attack may last from 3 to 10 days. Initially, the attacks are sporadic but happen more often over time. Symptoms of gout include: Severe joint pain. Pain in the joint even after the severe pain goes away. Redness, swelling, and tenderness in the joint. Stiffness in the joint.   Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is considered an autoimmune disease because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This leads to inflammation and damage to the joints. Some people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules, which are bumps that form on the skin, usually over the knuckles, heels, and elbows. Symptoms of RA may happen suddenly and are often worse than the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Some of the symptoms of RA are: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in more than one joint. Symptoms occur on both sides of the body, so if the right wrist is affected, the left one will be also. Stiffness in the morning that can go on for hours or for the majority of the day.   Elder care can assist seniors with arthritis regardless of the form they have. Elder care providers can help with tasks that are difficult because of arthritis pain, such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning. Arthritis pain may make walking difficult and lead to falls, but an elder care provider can help your aging relative  If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-home elder care in Columbia, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.

7 Ways to Beat This Heat

Have most of you basically melted into a puddle by this point? Because we have. With temperatures frequently topping 100 degrees in the last couple of weeks, it is safe to say it’s officially summer in the south. While the hot temperatures definitely make for some fun days out at the lake, beach or pool, it’s also important to know how you can keep yourself safe in this heat. Check out the Top 7 Ways to beat the Heat and Say Cool During the Summer, according to lifehacker.com: 1) Know your body’s best cooling points If you’re trapped in the heat and aren’t able to find a cooler place, then you can apply an ice pack, or cold towel to your cooling points. This can include wrists, forehead, etc. By knowing your cooling points, you’ll be able to cool yourself off faster and more effectively. 2) Keep your room cool   Sleeping in the heat is the absolute worst because it often prevents you from getting the proper rest that you need in order to function the next day. Try closing off your bedroom door to keep the air in or maybe even getting a box fan to circulate more cool air. 3) Exercise comfortably Try to get a gym membership and avoid exercising in the heat. But if that’s not something that is possible, try to exercise early in the day before the hottest temperatures set in. There are some great alternative exercises such as swimming and various other water sports that can definitely get the job done. 4) Avoid eating hot foods Eating anything hot will only amplify the effects of the heat. 5) Get a portable fan 6) Take precautions to avoid excessive sweat There are tricks you can use to counter excessive sweating. You can try putting on deodorant the night before. Your sweat glands are more active in the morning which causes your deodorant to be less effective. 7) Drink more water We tend to sweat a lot more in the summer so it is important to stay hydrated. To be safe, you should follow the 8 by 8 rule which states that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day. If water isn’t your favorite, try to add some flavor packets to make it taste better. ** Also, another way to boost your hydration is by eating foods that have a high water content. Raw foods are great for the summer, especially berries which happen to be readily available this time of year. Some great options are: Strawberries Cucumbers Courgettes Celery Lettuce Melon We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful to help keep you comfortable this summer season!

APRIL - National Donate Life Month - Have Your Parents Talked About Being an Organ Donor?

For April's National Donate a Life Month, it's a good time to talk about your parents' wishes. Each day close to two dozen people die while waiting for a needed organ to become available. Only 3 out of every 1,000 people who die do so in a way that makes organ donation possible.  Organ donation saves lives. Do you know your parents' wishes if something happens? This should be part of your conversation about aging. Do they want to be an organ donor? Is paperwork in place to make sure this happens? Here are questions families often have. What Are the Age Restrictions for Organ Donations? There is no age limit on organ donation. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the oldest organ donor was in his 90s when his liver was donated to a woman in her 60s. His donation saved her life. What Donations Can Be Made? When you choose to become an organ donor, your organs, corneas, body tissue, stem cells, bone marrow, blood, and skin can all be donated. There are cases where the tissue, skin, and blood vessels of the face have been used in face transplants. The options are endless if the organ, tissue, or other item is able to be donated in time. Don't You Have to Be Healthy? Medical conditions are not always a factor in stopping you from being a donor. The transplant team can determine which, if any, organs and body parts can be donated. The only things that may prevent donation are cancer, HIV/AIDs, and certain infections. How Do You Sign Up? When your parents get their driver's license renewed, most states allow that information to be placed on the license. If they don't have licenses, you can sign up to be an organ donor at organdonor.gov.  In addition to conversations about organ donation, you should talk to your parents about their medical wishes if they can't speak for themselves. They should have an advance directive on file. They should designate a medical power of attorney. They also need to sit down and talk about their plans for aging. The time may come when your parent needs home care. Make sure you know what they want. Do they want family caregivers at all or do they feel better hiring professional caregivers? Once you know their wishes, call a home care agency to learn about pricing and services. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Cayce, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173. Sources: https://www.organdonor.gov/about.html https://www.donatelife.net/ndlm/

Brainstorming Activities for Homebound Seniors

There’s only so much television that seniors want to watch before they grow irritable, restless and isolated. Even having a home care provider come to assist your elderly relative every day doesn’t mean they won’t get bored from time to time. If you want to ensure your aging loved one stays active and engaged, make plans for indoor age-appropriate activities that meet their needs. With some careful planning and help from their home care provider, your aging loved one can choose from a number of activities that boost their quality of life. Here are a few ideas for activities for your aging relative that they can do either alone or with help from their home care provider. Purge Unwanted Items and Donate to Charity Almost everyone has closets or drawers full of items they no longer need or want. Clearing out clutter is always a good idea and donating usable items to charity is a great service. Cleaning out the kitchen cupboards or pantry is a task often overlooked, and people usually agree that such a task is long overdue. Even organizing storage spaces such as these is a positive way to spend long days and will leave your relative feeling like their home is neat and tidy. Sometimes if an elderly Explore a New Hobby It sounds cliché but there are so many fun hobbies out there. Seniors can go beyond knitting or building models to some interesting and rewarding hobbies. Examples include birdwatching, making jewelry, writing poetry, photography, yoga, terrariums and origami. Sometimes, aging adults want to pick up a long-lost hobby again, such as playing the piano or journaling. Whether alone, with you or with their home care provider, your elderly relative is likely to enjoy some exposure to new pastimes. Work Out for Better Health It’s never too late for aging adults to focus on boosting their health. No matter what your relative’s condition, they can benefit from regular activity and exercise (once approved by their doctor). From tai chi and yoga to water aerobics, there are many fitness programs geared toward seniors. Even those with limited mobility can be more active using light weights and doing stretches, seated pedals, and chair aerobics. Part of getting fit is a healthy diet, and your elderly loved one can work with you or their home care provider to plan menus that boost nutrition and eliminate unhealthy options. When elderly adults become too bored and not challenged they run the risk of loneliness, poor health, depression and even early mental decline. Family caregivers can play a big role in helping their aging loved ones fill their days with stimulating and fulfilling activities. If you or an aging loved-one are considering a Home Care in Forest Acres, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.