Tag: Seniors

4 Ways Seniors Can Turn to Technology for Healthy Living

Today, wellness isn’t just about taking your vitamins and hitting the treadmill – there are a wide variety of technological tools that you can use to improve and maintain your health. And these apps and devices aren’t just for young, tech-savvy people.

Our senior population is growing, and new technology can help seniors drastically increase their quality of life. Seniors who want to be proactive about their physical and mental health may benefit from using fitness trackers, motion sensors, and other devices. You certainly don’t have to be a tech whiz to give them a try! Here are a few ways that seniors can take advantage of wellness-oriented technology to take control of their health.

Review Your Medicare Plan

The Medicare Open Enrollment period has ended for this year, but it’s important for seniors to review their health insurance coverage before it’s time to enroll again. Since many seniors deal with chronic medical conditions, knowing that their insurance policy covers all of their needs at an affordable price is essential.

Seniors who have qualifying situations don’t have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period and can instead sign up for Medicare during the Special Enrollment Period. For instance, if you’re about to turn 65, you have seven months (beginning with three months before you turn 65 and ending on the third month after you turn 65) to sign up for Medicare. Be sure to research your Medicare options carefully and compare plans before you choose one that you can afford and that suits your healthcare needs.

Tracking Vitals With Wearables

Wearable fitness trackers are not just for dedicated athletes! Yes, many people use them to track their workouts, but these devices can be used for many purposes. Even seniors who are not able to exercise as often as they would like may want to see if wearables can help them accurately monitor their vitals. According to Techwalla, some wearables specifically designed for seniors can even alert family members of falls and connect with emergency response systems.

All wearable fitness trackers will monitor the wearer’s heart rate, and many will also keep track of your sleep cycle, too. This data can be valuable for doctors, and if you are experiencing concerning symptoms and abnormal vital signs, medical professionals might be interested in the metrics stored on your wearable.

Stay in Touch With Skype

According tothe AARP, seniors who report struggling with loneliness are also at a higher risk of disease. Emotional and physical health are strongly connected, and making an effort to stay in touch with loved ones can make a huge difference.

Seniors who relocate in their retirement years may not feel the same sense of community they enjoyed in their hometowns, but technology makes it easier to chat with friends and family who they don’t see very often. That’s where Skype comes in. It’s simple to use, can be downloaded onto a phone, tablet, or computer, and allows you to see your loved ones’ faces and hear their voices, no matter how far apart you are.

Remote Monitoring for Safety

There are many reasons why seniors would prefer to live in their own homes rather than move into assisted living facilities, even if they are managing medical conditions. Technology is making it safer for them to do so.

Remote monitoring systems, which involve motion sensors placed around the home that can send data to a trusted relative, make it possible for seniors to live comfortably at home and enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones will be updated in case of an emergency. A remote monitoring system can ensure a good balance between independence and necessary assistance.

The market for senior wellness is expanding, and in the coming years, seniors will be able to utilize countless devices and apps to manage their health. For seniors who want to maintain their independence, keep track of their vitals, and fully enjoy their golden years, the right wellness technology can be life-changing.

Harriet Coffee turns 100 years old

Elite Home Healthcare Services Client Celebrates 100th Birthday

Last Friday, March 18, 2016, was a special day for Elite Home Healthcare Services.  Ms. Harriet Coffee (a longtime Elite Home Healthcare Services client) celebrated a milestone birthday.

Ms. Harriet Coffee celebrated her 100th Birthday.

Several years ago, Ms. Harriet Coffee used to worry about her age as a number. But that was decades ago; now she sees it as an honor.

Ms. Coffee celebrated her milestone birthday by visiting Cracker Barrel and ordering a lemon pepper trout with all the trimmings.

“In the 80s and all, I wouldn’t tell my age,” Coffee said. “But as it moved on, I’m proud to be 100. God has been good to me. I have followed his teachings, and so he has rewarded me.”

Click Here to View the Full Article in the Gwinnett Daily Post

Caregiver Jobs

Caregiver Jobs – A caregiver is someone who provides much needed care to someone who can’t provide it for themselves. Most of the time those needing a caregiver are adults or the elderly. Sometimes they are people who have been diagnosed with a disease and are unable to take care of themselves.

 

 

Caregiver jobs typically depend on the demands of the employer or patient. This person can either work independently or service in an assisted living facility or medical center.

 

 

You or someone you may know may be considering a shift in career choice. Maybe you need a career where there are no age requirements. Or maybe it’s possible that you are looking for a career that will last beyond your retirement age.  If this is you than you should definitely take care giving into deep consideration.

 

 

As you may know, caregiving entails a lot of responsibilities. Some people have a natural ease in caring for and dealing with the elderly. Most importantly, you must know all the possibilities and range of things that can happen while you’re on the job. You must be properly equipped to deal with problems that may arise when caregiving for the needy.

 

 

There are short courses that every caregiver must take. This may be a licensure requirement in your state. This will qualify you to become a certified caregiver. It’s also important to take these courses because clients may look for these credentials when picking you as their caregiver. By taking these courses you will be better educated and able to handle the pressures of caregiving.

 

 

 

When taking care of the elderly or needy, you will have to do more than just tend to their physical needs and demands. You will need to be in control of their medical requirements as well. That is why having a medical background or having some education in the field is essential.

 

 

It’s important to have a pleasant personality as well. You must have a good mental disposition. This is because you will have to watch over and care for another person. The client’s life is in your hands and their loved ones will need to know that you are in control and trustworthy. Not all older people or needy are the same when it comes to their temperament.

 

 

Some older people may be gentle and cooperative. Others may be difficult to handle. You must have a lot of patience and understanding. If you get depressed easily or are easily downtrodden yourself then this may not be the right job for you.

 

 

Caregiver jobs are not always simple or easy. Although, they can be financially rewarding and bring a sense of fulfillment to your life.  If you are the type of person with compassion for yourself and others then you would love caregiving.

 

 

The compassion of a caregiver is second nature to them.  They will likely have known all their life taking care of others is right for them. Whatever you choose, don’t forget there are special courses that must be taken before entering this profession.

 

 

 

 Caregivers are also known as home health or personal care aides. They may help in areas such as bathing, feeding, taking patients for walks, and taking medications to name a few. They may help patients with making appointments, providing transportation, or just being a companion and support.

 

According to statistics, caregivers typically make $20,170 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS.) Caregivers must have great attention to detail and follow specific rules and schedules. They must be sensitive to the patient’s fragility. Caregivers make sure patients wake up on time and take their medication on schedule.

 

 

Some responsibilities even include light housekeeping. Some patients may not be able to move on their own but their homes need to be cleaned. Caregivers will tidy up the patient’s space and enhance their living situation.

 

 

Companionship is also a main factor in caregiving. You are there to be their friend and support through their difficult situation. You must have a can do attitude and bring a sense of order.

 

 

If you believe caregiving is for you then it’s best to take the appropriate courses and place your foot in the caregiving world!

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home caregiver

7 Senior Helpers Secrets Every You Should Know

As the population ages, seniors are looking for new approaches to health care.

 

Many seniors want to remain in their homes, and their families are looking for information about home care that would allow the seniors to stay in the homes they love.

 

The term home care alludes to well-being and social services offered by senior helpers at the homes of older persons who require part-time or full-time care.

 

Home care is a wonderful alternative to assisted living facilities or nursing homes, especially for a senior who wants to stay in his place but requires regular care that his relatives and companions can no longer give.

 

Many of these seniors may not be debilitated, but they need assistance with a few exercises to keep fit and flexible.

 

Other seniors may need helpers because of a gradual loss of ability to care for themselves, such as those seniors who are impaired or terminally ill.

 

Seniors who are recuperating from illness or injury may also need assistance.

 

There are five types of home care services.

 

Some home care organizations may only offer a couple of services while others offer more:

Homemaker Services refers to the help given to seniors in managing their homes; for example, light housekeeping, shopping for food and changing the bed and bathroom linens.

 

Individual Care Services are services that are offered to seniors who need assistance with personal care, such as showering, dressing, eating, toileting, and strolling.

 

 

Dinner Services are services that provide meal delivery services to seniors in their homes or in senior centers, schools, houses of worship and other organizations.

 

Home Health Care Services is a term used to refer to services given to seniors who have good issues that must be dealt with, but still allow seniors to remain in their homes.

 

Senior Helpers give seniors help with medical care, such as changing bandages and dressings, taking vital signs and helping with pharmaceuticals.

 

Professional Health Care Services are rehabilitative treatments and skilled nursing treatments that are given by authorized attendants, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.

 

Before you can build a comprehensive home care plan, several steps must be undertaken. First, have your senior’s physical and emotional health conditions evaluated by someone familiar with geriatric issues, such as their personal doctor, geriatric counselor or physician who specializes in aging.

 

Some of the issues that families may want to consider when thinking about senior helpers are:

 

Mobility: As the senior ages, he may have difficulty moving around his own particular house and other places he regularly visits, and may need assistance.

 

Vision: Many seniors have vision challenges. The difficulties may include blurred vision, dimming vision, or narrowing of vision.

 

Vision problems may lead to less social association, sadness, and lower personal satisfaction.

 

Since senior citizens generally don’t inform their doctors or pharmacists about their vision issues, a vision screening may be important.

 

Hearing: Many adults have problems with their hearing as they age, and this can have an impact on their personal well-being.

Portable hearing aids and cochlear implants are prescribed in treating fundamental hearing loss, while a more particular therapeutic treatment may be required for severe cases.

 

Mental stability: This is one part of your senior’s well that is exceptionally hard to evaluate.

 

There is a thin line isolating the memory issues that accompany aging and those that may signal dementia.

 

Seniors with memory loss issues not attributed to aging may have symptoms such as difficulty performing or finishing daily activities, being more confused with everyday tasks, and experiencing problems recalling recent events.

 

Depression is another health issue seniors face. Loss of desire, low vitality and having no enthusiasm for others can be because of various reasons.

 

A geriatric psychological evaluation may be done to give a clear diagnosis of a senior’s emotional stability and to know whether there is a need for home care or not.

 

With the right planning and evaluation, you and your senior will be able to remain in their home with senior helpers that will ease your mind, and allow him to remain in the comfort of familiar surroundings.