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Top 10 tips for choosing a home caregiver for seniors

Finding the best home caregiver for aging parents or other family members is an essential step to ensuring they get the proper care when needed. That said, picking the ideal caregiver can be a challenging task, especially because one has to grow to trust the professional and also keep other factors like cost in mind. Here are a few tips to help one choose a caregiver who fits one’s requirements and criteria. 1. Define the needs Before selecting a home care agency or caregiver, one needs to understand the patient’s needs. Getting to know their requirements better can make the selection process for a caregiver much easier. Those looking to hire a professional caregiver should consider factors like the degree of required care and specific health conditions. Doing so can address several issues, including mobility limitations, cultural differences like language barriers, healthcare management, and food restrictions. The more detailed the understanding, the better one can communicate the needs with the concerned agency or professional. 2. Write down the job description Once individuals know what they look for in a caregiver, they should prepare or write down a job description. This document should include whether one is looking for someone with healthcare training and the type, a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, or a certified nursing assistant.
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Top 10 tips for choosing a home caregiver for seniors
7 common mistakes to avoid when finding senior living apartments

7 common mistakes to avoid when finding senior living apartments

Finding the right apartment for seniors is crucial because it directly impacts their quality of life. When a loved one moves to an independent living community, an assisted living facility, or a retirement community, it can be emotionally overwhelming for them as well as the other family members. Avoiding the following mistakes when finding senior living apartments can ensure the transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible for everyone. Not researching the types of apartments Every state has different types of senior living facilities and apartments. For instance, one may come across endowment homes, CCRCs (Continued Care Retirement Communities), assisted living facilities, and independent living arrangements. Since each has unique features, costs, services, and amenities, one must research their options thoroughly. Different types of living facilities will suit different requirements. One must choose a senior living apartment that cares for seniors’ mobility needs and health issues. The residents should also have the necessary amenities so they can pursue their hobbies. Being unaware of the various types of senior living communities may cause one to make a wrong decision, leading to unnecessary hassle later. Ignoring the senior’s future needs A senior’s requirements may change as time passes. They may require more support, care, and health facilities a few years later. This means the current senior living apartment may not be suitable for them. As a result, they would have to move to another arrangement, causing emotional and physical distress. To avoid this problem, one should consider the senior’s present and future requirements while looking for an apartment for them. A doctor or health professional can help assess the future needs of the senior based on their health and pre-existing illnesses. One should ensure the community can take care of these evolving needs. Doing so will eliminate the hassle of moving to a new facility later.
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7 common senior care mistakes to avoid

7 common senior care mistakes to avoid

Taking care of an older person can be emotionally rewarding. Caregivers must put in a lot of hard work and help the senior with personal hygiene, dressing, food preparation, moving around, traveling, cleaning, and other tasks. However, one finds joy while doing so. That said, individuals must be careful when providing elderly home care and help services. The seven mistakes listed here can sour the experience for oneself and the senior citizen. Treating senior citizens like children Older adults are generally warm and fuzzy. Their willingness to speak to caregivers gives them a friendly and childlike aura. However, that does not mean one must treat them like children. Some caregivers take full responsibility for even the tiny tasks that the senior might be able to do without help. In the process, they reduce their feeling of independence, which can be a big mistake. Some seniors may be okay with this, but most will find it overbearing. Ideally, one must encourage seniors to make as many choices independently as possible. For example, one should let them pick the clothes they want to wear and the food they want to relish. There’s no harm if they make their own decisions as long as they are safe and healthy. Of course, caregivers should intervene now and then. However, offering seniors as much choice and independence as possible is essential to making them feel liberated and happy. Not resting well Caregivers are human, too! Although they may be qualified for the job and have a lot of experience and skills, they can get physically and emotionally exhausted. So, one must rest well and avoid overworking. An individual can take short breaks or time off to relax and come back refreshed. It could be a vacation once every two or three months, spending the weekend with loved ones, or taking breaks in any other way the caregiver feels fit.
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8 signs it might be time for assisted living

8 signs it might be time for assisted living

A s one grows older, one  might start to  notice certain challenges  when it comes to  mobility and cognitive functions.   So, while one might be capable of doing things on their own initially, they might  eventually  require additional care and support for multiple things from a professional or an assisted living community.   Several telltale signs can help caregivers identify if a senior may benefit from an assisted living community. 1. Deteriorating health A chronic health condition that keeps getting worse by the day is a common indicator that one might require additional care. While one might try to handle their loved one’s condition independently, some might require professional care. If this is the case, one should partner with a team of trained members dedicated to the well-being of such situations, such as by moving the senior to an assisted living facility. 2. Changes in hygiene A senior might be living with a health condition but still manage to take care of basic hygiene. However, deteriorating health and mobility issues might cause them to stop caring for themselves. One might notice changes in one’s hygiene, such as greasy, unkempt hair, body odor, or dirty fingernails that are too long, broken, or jagged. Poor hygiene could result from self-neglect, defined as the person’s inability due to a physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity to perform essential self-care tasks. Other signs of self-neglect could include refusal to take treatment options or poor management of prescription routines, malnutrition or dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate or no food in the house. If one notices these signs, one should intervene and discuss moving the elder to an assisted living facility. 3. Frequent periods of isolation Older adults with few social ties who live alone, are hard of hearing or have mobility issues might slowly start to isolate themselves.
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11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques. Noting down your triggers One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend. Consider the things you can change Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety.
Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast. Radiation exposure The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments. Hormone replacement therapy Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer. Types of breast cancer Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive.  Invasive breast cancer Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer.