Caring for Grandparents Leads to Calling

Author

Good Samaritan Society - Fort Collins Village

Posted on

Nov 03, 2021

Book/Edition

Colorado - Northern Colorado

Share This
Andrea Kecks teenage sleepovers looked a little different than most.
A friend and I would stay with my grandmother and care for her, says Andrea. We thought it was the best thing because it was just like having a slumber party.
Growing up, Kecks grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia that causes memory loss, confusion and can affect other cognitive abilities.
With her grandmother living just across the street in Crossville, Tenn., Andrea was a frequent visitor. Then, as she got older, she was able to lend a helping hand, assisting her grandmother with tasks from getting dressed to eating.
It was a responsibility that Andrea felt privileged to be a part of.
That experience has always been special to me, she says. I thought it was cool that I was responsible for making sure she was clean, feed and loved.
Answering the call
Caring for others is something Andrea has always felt called to do. Its a calling that even as a teenager, required patience, compassion and a desire to understand the challenges that come with different health needs.
Andrea began putting these traits into action not only with the care she provided to her grandmother, but also with the care she gave to one of her grandfathers, who had Parkinson's disease.
When Andrea began to think about a future career, she realized that by becoming a nurse, she could care for others just like she had for her own grandparents.
Originally I wanted to be a teacher, but I really believe my desire was to provide care that I knew so many people didnt get and I could provide, whether it was at the nursing home or at the hospital as a nurse, she explained.
Joining the Good Samaritan Society
After earning her nursing degree, Andrea first worked on a variety of hospital floors, from surgery and cardiology to oncology, and then as a home health hospice nurse.
When Good Samaritan Society Fairfield Glade opened, she decided to apply as a floor nurse and pursue an area of nursing she had always wanted to return to caring for the elderly.
I realized that getting my feet wet as a nurse in the hospital prepared me well for a nursing facility because there are so many different health conditions you have to take care of, she says.
Today, Andrea is the nursing manager at the senior living community, an opportunity she credits to her diverse nursing experiences and to others who saw in her the ability to lead a nursing team.
I had to step outside of my comfort zone because I wasnt sure that I could do a manager role, but I wanted to try, she says. The Good Samaritan Society challenged me to teach other nurses and help them get the information they need to be successful, and Ive really enjoyed it.
Since starting her position, Andreas focus has shifted from spending her time on the floor as the go-to person, to educating and empowering her team, knowing that when they have the information and training they need to excel in their nursing abilities, they also excel in the care they provide to residents.
I want my staff to succeed, our care to succeed and for our residents to receive the care that I would want my own parents and grandparents to have, she says.
A total 360
When the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the center earlier this year, Andrea describes it as a total 360-degree shift in the nursing world. What became a challenge in addition to new safety procedures and personal protective equipment was keeping residents connected with their families.
The location soon began helping residents use FaceTime and arranging window visits, but knowing how important meaningful conversations are to well-being, Andreas staff become especially attentive to one-on-one resident care.
When their real families werent around, we had to become part of their family, says Andrea.
Since joining the nursing profession 16 years ago, Andrea says its been a fulfilling career helping others in need.
And seeing my staff blossom in their roles as new nurses and certified nursing assistants as just been an awesome experience, she says.

Other Articles You May Like

Harmony in Transition: Senior Organizing for a New Beginning

Welcome to A Call to Order Professional Organizer, where we specialize in guiding seniors through the process of transitioning to new living arrangements with harmony and ease. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the importance of senior organizing for creating a smooth and harmonious transition to a new beginning. From decluttering and downsizing to settling into a new home, our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.The Significance of Harmonious Transitions for SeniorsAs seniors embark on the journey of transitioning to new living arrangements, it's crucial to prioritize harmony and tranquility throughout the process. Transitioning to a new home can be emotionally and physically taxing for seniors, and maintaining a sense of harmony can help alleviate stress and anxiety. By carefully organizing the transition process, seniors can embark on their new beginnings with confidence and peace of mind.Strategies for Achieving Harmony in Senior TransitionsStart with a Clear Plan: The key to achieving harmony in senior transitions is to start with a clear and comprehensive plan. Work closely with your organizing professional to outline the steps involved in the transition process, from decluttering and packing to moving and settling into your new home. Having a clear plan in place will help minimize confusion and uncertainty, allowing for a smoother transition.Declutter with Purpose: Before embarking on your transition journey, take the time to declutter your current living space. Sort through your belongings and identify items that you no longer need or use. Consider donating or selling these items to lighten your load and create a more harmonious living environment. Remember, less clutter means less to pack and move, making the transition process more manageable.Create a Tranquil Moving Environment: Moving day can be hectic and overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can also be a harmonious experience. Create a tranquil moving environment by setting the tone with soothing music, aromatherapy, and calming dcor. Encourage open communication and collaboration among family members and movers to ensure a harmonious moving process.Personalize Your New Space: Once you've arrived at your new home, take the time to personalize your space and make it your own. Surround yourself with familiar belongings and cherished mementos that bring you joy and comfort. Create designated areas for relaxation, hobbies, and socializing to promote a sense of harmony and well-being in your new environment.Establish Routines and Rituals: Adjusting to a new living environment can take time, but establishing routines and rituals can help create a sense of stability and continuity. Set aside time each day for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's enjoying a morning cup of tea on the patio or taking an evening stroll around the neighborhood. By incorporating familiar routines into your new lifestyle, you can foster a sense of harmony and belonging in your new home.Seek Support and Guidance: Finally, don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from professionals who specialize in senior organizing and transitions. A Call to Order Professional Organizer is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout every stage of your transition journey. Whether you need assistance with decluttering, packing, or settling into your new home, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve harmony and peace of mind.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of achieving harmony in senior transitions. Our team is committed to providing expert guidance and support to seniors as they embark on their new beginnings. Let us be your partner in creating a smooth and harmonious transition to your new living arrangement. With our expertise and dedication, we'll help you navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind, ensuring that you can embrace your new beginning with grace and tranquility.

Kitchen Gadgets for Seniors: Making Cooking Easier and Safer

As we age, simple tasks like cooking can become more challenging. However, with the advancements in technology and the availability of kitchen gadgets designed specifically for seniors, cooking can continue to be enjoyable and hassle-free. Cooking at home allows seniors to control the ingredients and portion sizes, which can positively impact their health and nutrition. Additionally, seniors often have specific dietary requirements or restrictions, and preparing meals at home allows them to choose healthier options, control the amount of salt, sugar, and fat in their meals, and incorporate various nutritious ingredients.In this article, we explore a range of innovative kitchen gadgets that can make cooking easier, safer, and more accessible for seniors, empowering them to continue preparing their favorite meals at home with joy and confidence.Ergonomic UtensilsFor seniors with arthritis or reduced dexterity, traditional kitchen utensils can become difficult to handle. Ergonomic utensils are designed with user-friendly features such as comfortable grips, larger handles, and lightweight materials, making them easier to hold and maneuver. These utensils can include knives, peelers, spatulas, and ladles, all tailored to minimize strain on the hands and joints. Ergonomic utensils are practical and help reduce the risk of accidents in one of our favorite rooms in the home, the kitchen. Automatic Can Openers Opening cans can be challenging at any age, especially for seniors with weakened grip strength or limited hand mobility. Automatic can openers are simple to operate and require minimal effort. These devices can safely and efficiently open cans, eliminating manual twisting or gripping. Some models even feature hands-free operation, where the can opener attaches to the lid and does all the work with the push of a button. Automatic can openers are easy to find and valuable to any senior's kitchen, providing convenience and helping senior loved ones stay independent.  Easy-to-Read Digital ScalesAccurate measuring is crucial in cooking and specialty baking, but reading small print on traditional measuring scales can be challenging for seniors. Easy-to-read digital scales feature large, high contrast displays with clear numerical values, making it easier for seniors to measure ingredients accurately. These scales often come with additional features such as tare function (resetting to zero after placing a container), unit conversion, and weight-locking capabilities. With digital scales, seniors can follow recipes with precision and achieve consistent results in their culinary endeavors. Best of all, Grandma's favorite cookies will continue to be the delicious treat we all remember! Safety Induction CooktopsTraditional stovetops can pose safety risks for seniors, including burns and accidental fires. Safety induction cooktops offer a solution by utilizing electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware rather than on the surface. These cooktops remain cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, they have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off timers, temperature controls, and pan detection, ensuring that the cooktop turns off when the cookware is removed. Safety induction cooktops provide seniors a safer cooking alternative without compromising performance or versatility. Incorporating kitchen gadgets tailored for seniors can significantly enhance their cooking experience, making it safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. From ergonomic utensils to automatic can openers, easy-to-read digital scales, and safety induction cooktops, these gadgets are designed to address seniors' specific challenges in the kitchen. By embracing these innovative tools, our senior loved ones can maintain their independence and bring joy to each day, continuing to prepare delicious meals with ease.  Comfort Keepers Can Help Our caregivers, who we call Comfort Keepers, can help seniors prepare meals, stick to an exercise plan, and provide transportation to preventive care and other doctors visits. Friendly, consistent support can help seniors make healthy changes in their livesand make it fun at the same time. Our Comfort Keepers give seniors the encouragement they need to remain healthy, happy, and engaged in activities they love every day. 

Tips On Staying Independent as a Senior

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Local Services By This Author

Good Samaritan Society - Fort Collins Village

Skilled Nursing 508 W Trilby Road, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525

Established in 1973, the Fort Collins Village has been dedicated to serving seniors for 45 years, providing dignity in care, in living and in spirit. We are a not-for-profit, faith based continuum of care community, offering post-acute rehab, skilled nursing care, assisted living apartments and senior housing with services.Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. We are committed to providing an unprecedented level of quality service, compassionate care and range of amenities to ensure our residents enjoy a care-free, fulfilling lifestyle that is tailored to their needs.Our friendly, professional staff is dedicated to enhancing your life, bringing you joy and creating opportunities that care for your whole person - body, mind and spirit

Good Samaritan Society - Fort Collins Village

Independent Living 508 W Trilby Road, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525

Fort Collins Village offers senior housing with services, along with and health and wellness programs. Also, Assisted Living, long-term Skilled Nursing Care, and short-term Post-Acute Rehabilitation services & therapies are all offered in the same building if care needs change. The Good Samaritan Society is a not-for-profit, faith-based community that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds.Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. We are committed to providing an unprecedented level of quality service, compassionate care and range of amenities to ensure our residents enjoy a care-free, fulfilling lifestyle that is tailored to their needs.Our friendly, professional staff is dedicated to enhancing your life, bringing you joy and creating opportunities that care for your whole person - body, mind and spirit.

Good Samaritan Society - Fort Collins Village

Assisted Living 508 W Trilby Road, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525

Fort Collins Village offers senior housing with services, Assisted Living, long-term Skilled Nursing Care, and short-term Post-Acute Rehabilitation services & therapies - all offered in the same building if care needs change. The Good Samaritan Society is a not-for-profit, faith-based community that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds.Good Samaritan Society Fort Collins Village is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. We are committed to providing an unprecedented level of quality service, compassionate care and range of amenities to ensure our residents enjoy a care-free, fulfilling lifestyle that is tailored to their needs.Our friendly, professional staff is dedicated to enhancing your life, bringing you joy and creating opportunities that care for your whole person - body, mind and spirit