4 Myths About Home Caregiving Services, Debunked By Maria Burke, RN, Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care

Making decisions about your future or that of a senior loved one is often daunting. All the what ifs keep you up at night, and its hard to know whats best. Most people would prefer to age in place, but how do you know whether thats right for you or your senior loved one? Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about home health, answered. 1. Is In-Home Health Care Safe?Naturally, one of the first questions many people have is whether in-home health care is safe. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Care partners from reputable agencies, like Celtic Angels, are fully trained, certified, and thoroughly screened. 2. Will I/My Senior Loved One Receive Quality Care?Absolutely! Home health care partners are skilled in their jobs, so you can trust that you/your senior loved one will receive quality care. Plus, one of the best things about in-home health care is family members are able to monitor the type of care their senior loved one receives much more closely than they would if their loved one was in assisted living or a nursing home.3. Would My Senior Loved One Be Better Off in a Nursing Home?Most seniors prefer to age in place rather than in a nursing home, and families should feel confident knowing thats an excellent choice. In fact, a recent study found that in-home health care offers a variety of benefits to seniors and their families and that many seniors in nursing homes dont have a medical need to be there. Plus, in-home health care keeps your senior loved one from being exposed to the risks of communal living, which were sadly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.4. Is Home Health Expensive?In-home health can be more affordable than you may realize. Indeed, the same study mentioned above found that on average, in-home health care cost approximately $25,000 less per year than nursing home care. 5. What Services Are Available Through Home Health?A multitude of services are available through in-home health care. For example, at Celtic Angels, we offer everything from homemaking services to skilled nursing. You can read more about the many services we provide at www.celticangelsinc.com 6. Can I Choose My Care Partner?Of course! Its imperative that you and your senior loved one feel comfortable with your care partner. Thats why Celtic Angels always schedules a no-cost, no-obligation initial meeting in your home, during which you have the opportunity to discuss a custom-tailored care program for you or your loved one. 7. How Do I Know Which Home Health Agency to Choose?Choosing the right in-home health care agency is an important decision. We recommend checking to see whether the agency is fully bonded, licensed, and insured. You should also ask about what certifications and training their CNAs and HHAs have and how they conduct background checks for care partners. Its always a good idea to ask for references, as well.  Would you like to learn more about home health or set up a meeting to see if Celtic Angels is the right fit for you/your senior loved one? Contact us today to begin! 

Moving can be one of lifes most challenging experiences, especially for seniors. As we transition into new chapters, its essential to create environments that are not only functional but also warm and inviting. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that a successful move goes beyond packing and unpacking; it's about thoughtfully curating a new space that fosters comfort, connection, and joy. In this blog, well explore how to facilitate a smooth transition for seniors while preserving cherished memories and relationships.The Emotional Landscape of Moving for SeniorsMoving can evoke a whirlwind of emotions, including nostalgia, anxiety, and even excitement. For seniors, it often involves leaving behind a home filled with memories. Recognizing this emotional landscape is critical to ensuring a positive experience. Here are some strategies to create a supportive atmosphere during this transition.Acknowledge the Importance of MemoriesWhen helping seniors move, it's vital to acknowledge their emotional ties to their belongings. Encourage them to take time to reflect on the items that hold sentimental value. This process can serve as a beautiful trip down memory lane and allows them to decide what they wish to keep or let go.Create a Memory Book: Before packing, set aside time to create a memory book. Encourage seniors to write down their favorite stories associated with significant items. This can not only help in the decluttering process but will also preserve those memories for future generations.Invite Family Participation: Engage family members in the process. When loved ones join in, it not only provides emotional support but can also help in making decisions about what stays and what goes. Sharing stories about the past can strengthen family bonds and create a sense of togetherness.Celebrate Transition with Meaning: Instead of framing the move as a loss, frame it as a new beginning. Host a small farewell gathering where friends and family can share their favorite memories about the home and celebrate the individual's new journey.Creating a Warm and Inviting New SpaceOnce the decision to move has been made, its time to think about how to infuse warmth and familiarity into the new environment. Creating a comfortable and inviting space is crucial for helping seniors feel settled and at ease.Thoughtful Organizing and DesignPersonalize the New Space: As professional organizers, we emphasize the importance of making a new space feel personal. Encourage seniors to bring their most cherished itemsphotos, artwork, or heirloomsto decorate their new environment. This will provide a sense of continuity and comfort.Focus on Functionality: Think about the daily routines of seniors and how their new space can best accommodate them. Arrange furniture for ease of movement, and keep frequently used items easily accessible. Consider integrating features like illuminated pathways to avoid falls and make the space more user-friendly.Incorporate Familiar Colors and Textures: Use familiar colors or textures that evoke pleasant memories. A favorite blanket or a well-loved chair can spark comfort and familiarity, making the new space feel like home.Create Cozy Gathering Spots: Ensure there are comfortable areas to gather with family and friends. Whether its a well-placed recliner, a cozy reading nook, or a dining table for family dinners, having inviting spaces encourages connection and warmth.A Thoughtful Transition Made SimpleAt A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that every move, no matter how difficult, can lead to a beautiful new chapter. By acknowledging the emotional ties seniors have to their belongings and creating thoughtful, inviting spaces, we are committed to supporting seniors and preserving family bonds through every transition.As we head into 2025, remember that moving doesnt have to be a daunting task; it can be an opportunity for connection, love, and growth. Together, lets ensure that every senior move is filled with warmth and joy as they embark on their new journey. For more support, tips, and guidance, reach out to us. Were here to help make every transition seamless and heartfelt.

Seniors have earned their safety net of Social Security and Medicare, but to truly thrive they need to move beyond the well-planned life to add something unexpected: personal risk.  Its one of the oddest twists of modern society Americans spend most of their lives being encouraged to work hard to do difficult things. As soon as we hit a certain age, though, its all about easing up and backing off. Grandma, take a break! Give it a rest, Grandpa! You dont want to chance a fall there! The problem is, weve become so preoccupied with surplus safety at all times for seniors that we have stripped away too many of the surprises and unexpected twists that make life worth living. Is it any wonder that seniors now are battling an epidemic of boredom, depression, and loneliness? Few people of any age find meaning and purpose in doing the same thing, at the same time, in the same way, every day. We need to mix it up and try something new a physical challenge, a different setting, a new learned skill.  As a career nurse and chief executive of a complete senior health company, I know that the only risk-free environment is a coffin. No point rushing our way into there. One of the best solutions to bring risk to seniors is to borrow an idea from the younger generations. Seniors should go gaming.  No, grandparents may not want to take up Minecraft, Fortnite, or Call of Duty. (Though if they want to try it, by all means, go for it.)  Im also not a big fan of one traditional eldergame, namely, bingo, which is too much about luck and not enough about skill and performance mastery as a source of motivation. There is little in bingo that offers true risks or competition to benefit others.  The better games promote the physical and mental skills that can go unexercised as people grow older. For families and friends, an excellent plan is to tap into the data collected by Apple watches and Fitbit-style fitness trackers. How many steps a day can you record? How many days a week can you record steps that meet your goal? Instead of making it an individual competition, we see better gains and more fun overall when people are assigned to a team.  A team competition makes you responsible to others, not just yourself. Its human nature to push yourself harder when others are relying on you. Maybe the team is made up of family and loved ones. Maybe its friends and neighbors. The overall goal is to get everyone accountable and moving.   In our own health business, we have 1,000 seniors, aged 60s to 100 and up, who compete in Spark Performances, which include an annual TRY-athlon Tournament, a remote-control National Forklift Racing League, and The Grip Games. There also is the Spark Challenge, where community teams battle for the league championship using walkers, stationary bikes, and arm cranks. Every week the 32 teams in the league tune in to The Really Big Show, an ESPN-style Sports Center wrapup that features results and league standings. Established powerhouse teams are the Dragonflies, Cardinals, and River Rats. The competition is fueled by a $32,000 tournament purse. Of course, not everyone can do the more physically demanding tasks though a 95-year-old is one of our leading hallway runners but every team has a place for someone, including coaches, statisticians, and cheerleaders.  How is it safe to have great-grandmothers running down hallways in walkers? The truth is, its not completely safe. But thats the point. And its also really fun.  A few weeks ago, an 80+ woman was competing in the hallway run when she slipped, fell, and cut her knee. In the emergency room, the doctor asked her how the injury happened. I fell in a triathlon, she replied.  The doctor thought she was joking until the woman asked to be patched up as quickly as possible, so she could complete her remaining two events. She was extremely proud and definitely adamant she really, really did not want to let down her team.  What she saw was a chance to win. What our medical team saw was strength, purpose, and belonging. Whether in a senior community or in life, aging is a team sport. As our years go up, we depend more on others to reach our goals. Our team may include family, friends, medical professionals, or even a fellow hallway racer on a walker. Well do better together, if only we take that risk to challenge our minds and bodies with something new.  Joel Theisen, BSN, RN, is founder and chief executive of Lifespark, a Minnesota- based complete senior health company. Follow him on Twitter: @Lifespark_CEO.