Bridging the Gap Between Your Teens and Your Parents
Finding a way to get your aging parents and teens to connect is tough. Teens have their own interests. In a 2019 survey from a marketing agency that focuses on reaching teens and young adults, the top five teen interest were as follows. Smartphones (Gaming, watching videos, and socializing) Video Games (Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Minecraft, League of Legends, and Sims 4 were bestselling) Sports (Playing and watching) Food (Pizza, tacos, and sushi were favorites) Books (Fantasy topped the list of interests) With this information, you can come up with ways to bridge the gap between your teens and your parents. Here are some ideas. Get Them Playing Games Together Many games today seem to be more like movies than games. If your parents enjoy watching movies, get your teen to play a game like Firewatch. The plot of the game and graphics create a movie-like feel that makes the game just as much fun to watch as it is to play. If your parents like to play games, too, your teen could find two player games that they could play together. Spend a little money on the replica Atari or NES consoles that have dozens of games loaded onto one unit. Your parents will remember many of the games, and your teens will love the look at how far video games have come. Read Books, Chat, and Watch the Movies If your teens like to watch, have them share some of the books they liked the most. Have your parents read them too. When everyone is done, see if there's a movie adaptation and watch it together. Some of the current young adult books that have movies include the Hunger Games series, haunting movies like If I Stay, or upcoming movies from books like All the Bright Places. After going through young adult books, switch to books your parents loved that are movies. Harrison Ford is starring in an upcoming release of Call of the Wild. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a great book and the movie was also exceptional. While your teens and parents are busy having fun together, you'll be able to focus on the other tasks around the house. Get meals prepared for the week or do the laundry. Caregivers are another important tool when it comes to your parents' care. You shouldn't overwhelm yourself. Senior care services place a caregiver with your parents. While they're getting the help they need, you'll have time to visit friends, tend to your own needs, or run errands. Call a senior care agency to make arrangements. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Columbia, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173. Sources: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-10-most-popular-things-for-teens-in-2019-300783768.html
Celebrating Excellence: Solutions for Living at Home's Triple Crown Achievement
In a remarkable showcase of dedication and service excellence, Solutions for Living at Home has once again set a benchmark in the home care industry by clinching all three prestigious awards from Home Care Pulse for the second consecutive year. The 2024 Best of Home Care – Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice awards are a testament to the unparalleled commitment that Solutions for Living at Home has towards delivering exceptional care and fostering a supportive work environment. Standing out as the only home care agency in the Midlands region and one of only four in South Carolina to achieve this honor, Solutions for Living at Home exemplifies a new expectation of quality care and service. This achievement not only underscores their position in the top 10% of home care providers nationwide but also highlights their unwavering dedication to excellence in client and caregiver satisfaction across various dimensions, including caregiver training and communication. As we celebrate these back-to-back accolades, it's a moment to reflect on the hard work, dedication, and compassion that the entire team at Solutions for Living at Home brings to their work every day. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they serve is what sets them apart and cements their status as a leader in the home care industry. Congratulations to Solutions for Living at Home on this outstanding achievement, and may they continue to lead with excellence, compassion, and dedication, setting new standards in the provision of quality home care services.
Could Working at Home Help You with Caregiving?
When you’re spending time away from your senior at a full-time job, it’s difficult to be the caregiver that you want to be. Working from home could give you the opportunity to be there with your senior in a way that you wouldn’t be able to do when you’re working outside the home. This could be a solution for you both. Talk to Your Employer about Possible Options The first step is to talk to your current employer. You can find plenty of jobs that allow you to work from home, but your existing employer might be far more flexible than you thought at first. Once you know what your options are, you can look at how those options fit into your life and how they can help you to meet your senior’s needs. Working from Home Can Give You Flexibility The main reason for you to give working from home a chance is that it offers you much more flexibility. When you’re right there with your aging family member, you can take care of much more for her. You may have to set aside specific times that are just earmarked for work, though. You Might Need to Juggle a Bit Even with all the flexibility, you might find that there’s more juggling than you expect once you start working from home. You may want to consider getting some extra help, especially from elderly care providers. They can help you to manage all of the various tasks that still need to be done, no matter where you’re working from at any given time. It’s Even More Important for You to Focus on Self-care Working from home means that you need to focus even more on self-care. Caregivers already tend to neglect this, so it’s crucial that you make the time to take better care of yourself. Elderly care providers can help you with this, too. They can help you to make sure that you’re taking time away from both work and from caregiving so that you can recharge and be ready to dive back in. For lots of caregivers, working from home helps them to continue to make a living while also caring for their senior family member. You may have a lot more options with this than you realize, especially if you’re already working for a company that encourages telecommuting. It’s at least worth looking into to determine if it’s something that could be possible. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Forest Acres, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Create a Senior Emergency Plan for Any Natural Disaster
While the thought of a natural disaster is scary, most people don’t make serious emergency plans for themselves or their elderly loved ones. The good news is that there are plenty of things that family caregivers can do to get their aging relative prepared for all kinds of emergencies. Taking the time to plan now will help keep seniors safe during natural disasters. What Natural Disasters Should Seniors Plan For? After evaluating the kinds of risks for their particular geographic area, family caregivers can create a basic emergency plan to prepare for the day that the unthinkable actually happens. The most common natural disasters that take place in North America include: Flood Earthquake Tornado Hurricane Wildfire Extreme winter weather Volcano Localized emergencies that can also create the need for an emergency plan include: House fire Gas leak Chemical spill Thunderstorm damage Hazardous material spill from industrial accident Train or aviation accident Terrorist attack With an effective senior emergency plan, family caregivers must consider all the aspects that affect their elderly relative to be able to either shelter in place or evacuate. Considerations for a Senior Emergency Plan Local emergency services like the police department or fire department are excellent resources for family caregivers who want to make an emergency plan for their aging loved one. Online resources can also help family caregivers create a realistic and robust emergency plan that contains ideas for either evacuation or sheltering in place. Of course, they must consider their aging loved one’s living situation, physical and cognitive ability and who might be with them in the event of a natural disaster. When an emergency plan calls for an evacuation, family caregivers must consider the elderly adult’s physical abilities. If they are mobile, they may be able to get themselves out of the house, perhaps with the assistance of an elder care provider. However, if they are not mobile, the emergency plan should consider incorporating a sled, wheelchair, pad or other evacuation equipment for them. If they are sheltering in place, the plan must include some kind of alarm signal or other method to alert rescuers that the person inside needs assistance. Create an Emergency Kit for Elderly Adults For most people, an emergency kit is essential and family caregivers can have one prepared for their elderly loved one. The emergency kit should have a basic supply of water, food, clothing and any personal necessities like spare medication, a list of emergency contacts, some cash and a medical history paper. Many seniors also need a pet emergency kit to meet the needs of their canine or feline companions. It’s not enough to create an emergency plan for natural disasters once and then forget about it. Emergency preparedness must be ongoing and reviewed periodically with the aging adult and the elder care provider. Natural disasters always happen without warning, so a senior’s best chance of emerging safe and unharmed often depends on having an excellent emergency plan in place. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care in Columbia, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Do you know someone who is planning to have surgery?
Do you know someone who is planning to have surgery? Solutions for Living at home offers Hospital/Transitional Care including assistance with discharge/rehab instructions, medication reminders, and appointment coordination.
Don’t Forget About Your Elderly Relative’s Post-Surgery Care
With old age comes a range of physical ailments and chronic conditions that often need surgery to correct. It’s common for seniors to have surgery for health issues such as cataracts, varicose vein removal, joint replacement, cancerous tumor removal, spine surgery, gallbladder and ulcers. While the surgeries can often help with the elderly adult’s medical issues, recovery can present its own set of challenges. Many elderly adults need help from family caregivers and home care providers during the weeks after their surgery. Why Is Recovery So Difficult for Seniors? Major surgery is difficult for people of any age, but elderly adults often struggle more with recovery, which is often slower than what is typical. It can be more difficult for elderly adults to shake off nausea and fatigue of the anesthesia and it may be more difficult for them to manage their pain. Seniors are especially at risk for post-surgery blood clots as many of them are more sedentary. Because of a weakened immune system, they are also more susceptible to infections. Recovery from surgery also means that elderly adults need to take pain relief medicine regularly and they may need to apply heat or ice to the incision site. Depending on what kind of surgery, elderly adults may not be able to sleep well or even more around. In addition to all that, the aging adult most likely has additional and unrelated health issues that they still need to manage. These reasons and more are why many seniors need help for several weeks and even months after they’ve had surgery. How Family Caregivers and Home Care Providers Can Help Aging adults aren’t going to be very active in the first few days after surgery. Family caregivers and home care providers should be with the senior full-time for the first few days. They will likely need help with self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting. Of course, they also won’t be doing things for themselves around the house. Family caregivers and home care providers should be able to handle housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation. After surgery, seniors usually have several follow-ups with their doctor to check the incision and assess recovery status. Most seniors won’t be able to drive themselves, and of course, rely on family caregivers and home care providers for transportation. Other errands, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions, are easily done by others while the aging adult recuperates at home. As the elderly adult makes sufficient strides toward recovery, they can take over some of the more basic tasks as they feel up to it. There’s no doubt that surgery can be an important step in an elderly person’s health and wellness. Under the advice and care of a doctor, elderly adults will get advanced medical treatment. However, because the standard recovery time for seniors is longer and often harder than for others, it makes sense that they have hired home care providers to come in whenever it is needed. If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Lexington, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Four Tips for Assessing and Tracking Your Senior’s Needs
A big part of taking care of your senior in the way that she needs you to, involves looking at what she needs now and will most likely need in the future and doing what you can to meet those needs. It’s easier to do that if you’re tracking your progress and hers. Address Safety Considerations Safety is always going to be your senior’s primary need. It’s where your focus is going to be as a caregiver, and it can be difficult to manage at first if you’re new to caregiving. Go with the obvious concerns first, such as loose stair treads, lack of accessible handrails, and obvious tripping hazards, like clutter. Lighting is another big concern. If it helps, think about home maintenance first and you can build out your list from there, because most home maintenance tasks involve maintaining safety around the house. Get a Good Baseline of Current Health Your senior’s doctor can help you to map out needs as well. If she hasn’t kept up with going to the doctor, now is the time. You need to have some information about her current health issues and whether they’re likely to become more severe at any time in the near future. Having an accurate prognosis gives you tools you need in order to make decisions for your senior. Ask Your Senior What Would Make Her Life Better Sit down and talk to your elderly family member about what she wants and what would make her life better. What could give her easier access to the activities that she enjoys or that she still wants to do? That might involve starting to exercise so that her muscles are stronger, but it might also involve letting other people like elder care providers help her during each day. Your senior might be worried that the changes you’re proposing will take away her independence, but that isn’t what all of this is about. Keep a Log or Journal to Help You See Progress Some of the solutions you might want to put into place may not be necessary right now, but you know that they will be. Keeping a running list ensures you won’t forget about them. You also need to track how well what you’re doing is working, both for you and for your senior. With a logbook or journal devoted to that purpose, you’ve got information you can look back on to see how far you’ve come and what’s still left to do. You might find it difficult to gather and to keep up with all this information, especially while you’re providing daily for your senior’s current needs. That’s why having help from elder care services can be just what you need. Their experience and insights can assist you in spotting and meeting all sorts of needs. Excerpt: As a caregiver, you need to be able to make some predictions here and there, which seems impossible. When you’re tracking what’s going on, though, it’s a lot easier. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care St. Andrews, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Happy Holidays! A letter from Esther Ilderton
As I reflect on this past year, I am grateful for the blessings of our clients, client families and caregivers who support Solutions for Living at Home. Thank you for your trust and partnership enabling us to perform home care services for your loved ones. As the new year is almost here, we are gearing up for a busy and rewarding 2025. But before the ball drops, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the impact we’ve made together in 2024. 317 clients served with a total of 242,274 hours of dedicated home care services. Awarded “2024 Best in Experience,” “Provider of Choice,” and “Employer of Choice” from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for home care agencies and endorsed by the Home Care Association of America. Completed 67 healthcare facility visits and attended over 160 networking events within the community. Grew our dedicated team to include 348 Solutions Partners and 12 office team members all committed to delivering the highest quality care. Launched Care Management Services in October 2024 to provide additional oversight and advocacy for those needing support beyond traditional home care. Jennifer McEntire, with her extensive healthcare experience and deep passion for helping others, now serves as our Professional Care Manager. Make way for 2025! We are looking forward to the future of home care and how we can continue to best serve our clients. I am excited to watch how emerging technologies, new community partnerships and expanded services impact our current and future clients’ quality of care – it is truly an exciting time in the field of aging services. Every day, the Solutions team works tirelessly to ensure a high-quality home care experience for our clients, their families, and the healthcare community throughout the Midlands. Thank you again for your unwavering support. As we step into the new year, let’s do so with fresh hope and renewed spirit. Blessings, Esther H. Ilderton Director
In-Home Care and Seniors with COPD
When your aging mom or dad is diagnosed with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can feel overwhelming and frightening. It means that you both need to take a good look at the living situation and make some decisions about your aging parent’s daily care. COPD can have a significant effect on an aging adult’s ability to live independently, often requiring in-home care provider services and extra attention from a family caregiver. The good news is that with a strong support plan in place, seniors can age in their own home with COPD. For many families, the best way to allow their elderly parent with COPD to still live at home but not sacrifice quality care s to hire a home care provider. COPD Changes Senior Living If COPD is not properly managed, it can mean that seniors will struggle with even the smallest tasks of self-care and home management. COPD can affect strength and stamina, which can create challenges for elderly adults who must do housework, meal preparation or other daily tasks on their own. When combined with other age-related health issues like diabetes, arthritis or poor hearing and vision, COPD can really interfere with mobility and independence. When elderly adults have certain risk factors, the condition can worsen as well. Common risk factors include a family history of lung disease, smoking and a lifetime of exposure to chemicals or fumes. Symptoms for COPD include wheezing, coughing, fatigue, respiratory infections, and tightness in the chest. The doctor will outline a treatment plan for the aging adult with COPD and can advise on arranging for in-home help for the aging adult. Between a family caregiver and a home care provider, seniors can get all the help they need. In-home Care Providers Help Seniors with COPD Living with COPD and going through the treatment can take a lot of time and energy from your aging parent. It’s very important that they take the medication prescribed properly, and a home care provider can remind them when to do so. The home care provider can also accompany the aging adult to appointments with the doctor and with a respiratory therapist for their breathing treatments. Another way that home care providers can assist your elderly parent with COPD is to encourage them to be active and get a little regular exercise in, While it’s hard for many seniors to get up and going on their own, a home care provider gives that extra incentive to participate in some regular daily activity. When your aging parent is having a bad day, the home care provider will take care of the housework, meals, laundry and more. It will give you great peace of mind to know that a professional is looking out for your elderly mom or dad as they struggle with COPD. A diagnosis of COPD doesn't have to slow your aging mom or dad down, especially when they follow the treatment as recommended by their doctor. With a home care provider at their side, they can enjoy a fine life as they age in place at home. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care in Irmo, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between Home Care and Home Health
When choosing care options for yourself or a loved one, it's essential to understand the differences and similarities between home care and home health. Both services provide support at home but serve different needs. This blog post will explore these differences and similarities, using reliable sources to give you a clear picture. Home Care: Compassionate Support for Daily Living Definition and Services Offered: Home care, also known as non-medical home care, helps with daily activities. Services include: - Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming) - Meal preparation - Light housekeeping - Companionship - Transportation to appointments - Help with moving around Some home care agencies also offer private nursing services for specific medical needs that don't require intensive medical oversight, such as: - Medication Management - Physician Communication - Vital Sign/Pacemaker Monitoring - Wound Care - Lab Work - Injections Need for Physician's Orders: Home care services typically do not need a physician's order. They are usually arranged by the individual or their family based on personal needs and preferences. However, private nursing services may require orders like active prescription or wound care orders to perform. Primary Payer: Home care is usually paid for out-of-pocket by the individual or their family. Some long-term care insurance policies may cover certain home care services, but Medicare and Medicaid generally do not. Home Health: Medical Support at Home Definition and Services Offered: Home health care provides medical services from licensed healthcare professionals. These services are often needed after a hospital stay or for managing chronic conditions, including: - Skilled nursing care (wound care, injections, health monitoring) - Physical, occupational, and speech therapy - Medical social services - Help with medical equipment and supplies Need for Physician's Orders: Home health services require a physician's order. A doctor must confirm that the patient needs intermittent skilled nursing care, therapy, or other medical services. Primary Payer: Home health services are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans, as long as the services meet specific criteria and are medically necessary. Similarities Between Home Care and Home Health Despite their differences, home care and home health share some similarities: 1. Home-Based Services: Both types of care are delivered in the patient's home, allowing individuals to stay in a familiar environment. 2. Personalized Care Plans: Both home care and home health services offer personalized care plans tailored to the individual's specific needs. 3. Support for Aging in Place: Both services help seniors remain in their homes as long as possible, rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Regulations and Standards Both home care and home health services follow regulations and standards to ensure quality and safety. For example, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) provides guidelines and regulations for home care services, which can be found in their regulation document. Home health services are regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), with detailed benefits and requirements outlined in their benefits document. For more detailed information about home care and home health services, please visit our website or refer to the resources provided by DHEC and CMS. Choosing the Right Care Knowing the differences and similarities between home care and home health helps you make informed decisions. Home care offers non-medical assistance with daily living, while home health provides medical care for health conditions and recovery from illnesses or surgeries. Both types of care help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life at home. Our Solutions We offer a range of services to meet your home care and home health needs. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care to support you or your loved one at home. For additional information or to discuss care options, please visit our website or contact us directly. ___________________________________________________________________________________ References: - Home Health Benefits - DHEC Home Care Regulations - DHEC Distinction Memo For more information or to discuss care options, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Home for the Holidays; noticing changes in an aging parent
The holidays are a season of gathering, reflection, and connection. For many families, it's the rare time everyone comes together. When adult children visit aging parents, it's also an opportunity to notice changes that may have occurred over the year. Sometimes, these visits reveal signs that a parent may need additional support to continue living safely and comfortably in their own home. If you notice any changes this holiday season, here are some compassionate, practical steps to guide your family through the next steps in ensuring your loved one’s well-being. Observe with a Caring Eye As you enjoy the holiday, take time to observe your loved one’s behavior and environment without judgment. Consider looking for these signs: Physical Appearance: Are there any noticeable changes in weight, mobility, or grooming habits? Home Environment: Is their home as tidy and organized as usual, or are there signs of neglect in household upkeep? Social Engagement: Are they as engaged with family and friends as usual, or do they seem withdrawn or isolated? Mental and Emotional Health: Do you notice signs of confusion, forgetfulness, or mood changes that are out of character? Approach the Conversation with Care Talking about changes you’ve observed can be challenging, but it's an essential step toward supporting your parent’s well-being. Begin the conversation with empathy, focusing on their feelings and preferences. Try gentle questions like: “I noticed a few things around the house and wanted to check in on how you’re feeling. Is there anything you’d like help with?” “How are you feeling these days? Do you feel safe and comfortable at home?” This approach shows your concern while respecting their independence and dignity. Discuss Family Support Services If your parent is open to exploring options, introduce the idea of family support services that can help them maintain their independence. Services like custom care solutions and home mobility aids can often address the specific needs of aging adults without taking away their sense of control over their daily lives. Whether it’s assistance with household chores, personal care, or transportation, there are a range of advanced home care options designed to support each individual's unique needs and routines. Evaluate Safety and Mobility As we age, safety within the home becomes increasingly important. Small adjustments, such as adding handrails in the bathroom, improving lighting, or reorganizing frequently used items, can significantly improve home safety. Consider working with senior home solutions providers who specialize in assessing homes for common risks and recommending adjustments that support home independence. These small changes can have a significant impact on daily comfort and safety. Consider Help in the Home If your parent shows signs of needing regular assistance, consider whether a compassionate caregiver or continuous home care service might be beneficial. With the right support, many seniors can continue to live comfortably at home, enjoying their routines and maintaining their independence. Working with a team that values relationship-based care can help establish trust, which is essential when introducing outside help. When caregivers focus on building connections, they can truly meet the emotional and physical needs of each person they support. Reflect on Next Steps as a Family When you approach these sensitive decisions as a family, it strengthens everyone’s confidence in the chosen path. Take time to reflect and research options together, weighing your loved one’s needs and preferences. If needed, bring in professionals to discuss the various home wellness solutions that align with your parent’s values and lifestyle. By working together, you can create a support plan that prioritizes their comfort and dignity. Cherishing Home and Independence Supporting an aging parent doesn’t mean taking away their independence; it’s about finding ways to empower and assist them in staying safe, happy, and engaged at home. As you spend this holiday season with your loved ones, remember that noticing and addressing these changes is a gift in itself—a step toward ensuring their continued well-being in the comfort of home. Whether it’s arranging for loving home care or making small adjustments to enhance safety, these steps can make a significant difference. This holiday, let’s cherish the opportunity to connect and support our loved ones with compassion, respect, and love. Happy holidays, and may your family’s journey be one of warmth and togetherness!
How Can You Destress Immediately?
Caregiving can throw you some curve balls from time to time. Stress can seem to escalate out of nowhere until you're at your limit. So is there something that you can do as a caregiver that helps you to destress right there in the situation? Try one of these ideas. Chant a Calming Mantra Find a word or a phrase that you associate with peace and calm. It might even be the phrase "peace and calm." When you see or say those words, make sure that you slow your breathing and think immediately about somewhere that is calm and peaceful. Then, when you're stressed, repeat that phrase or the word to yourself. The work you've done to associate that mantra with peace and calm should help you to get there quickly. Keep a Picture with You Keep a picture with you of someone or something that you love and that brings you immense joy. You can make it into a keychain or put it into a locket that you wear all the time. When something is testing you, take out that picture and gaze at it for a few seconds. Change Your Focus As soon as you realize that you're feeling stressed, literally change your focus. Look at something that is farther away from you or closer to you. Focus on it intently and think to yourself about three positive things that object or item represents for you. There's a few different shifts that you're making all at once with this technique, which can help you to lose your connection with whatever it was that was getting your goat. Hum a Song Find a song that is easy for you to hum. It might be your favorite song or a children's song that's easy to remember. When you're starting to feel the effects of stress, hum the song under your breath. This can help you to hear something that you enjoy or that brings back happy memories for you, which can stop the stress reflex. Take a Series of Increasingly Deeper Breaths Your breathing can also have a big impact on how stressed you're feeling. When you're really feeling the effects of stress, you're likely breathing short, shallow breaths. As soon as you notice your breathing, take one breath that's slightly deeper and longer. The next needs to be just a little deeper and longer, too. Do this until you finally take one deep breath. Hold it for a second and then slowly release it. You should be feeling calmer. Stress is something that you're going to deal with often as a caregiver. You probably can't get rid of it completely for good, but you can learn techniques that work well for you. The better you get at deploying your toolkit, the easier it will be to lower your stress levels quickly. If you or an aging loved-one are considering Caregivers in Lexington, SC, please talk to our caring staff. Call today (803) 223-6173.
