Encouraging Volunteerism in Senior Care

The following are useful tips that will help you have difficult conversations with your family members about the changes that are to come regarding their care. It is not always easy for people to admit that they need help, or they need a change. Discussing their current conditions with them and asking them questions about their care preferences can make this easier. Keeping these tips in mind will help make the process a little easier and less stressful for everyone. 1. Do your best to pick a good time that works for your loved one. 2. Speak in a calm reassuring voice, but do not speak to them like they are a child. 3. Never miss the opportunity to listen to them. If possible, get with other family members and their support system. Address their concerns and voice your concerns in equal measure and agree which on of your concerns are the most important. 4. Try and be consistent among all of you on the conversations you are having with your loved one. 5. Keep the conversation short. Talking about too many changes at once can be overwhelming. Start with one or two topics that are you are most concerned about such as safety, medications, or nutrition. 6. Remember that this change is the most stressful for the senior. They may be concerned about losing their independence or control. Reassure them that you are concerned for their health and safety and not trying to take away their autonomy. 7. Be organized on your thoughts and look for things that you agree on even if they are not related to the topic at hand. 8. Talk about a friend who is receiving care. This can be a good introduction to the conversation and reassure them that you will be there with them when their time comes.  9. Do not expect to resolve your concerns with one conversation. This discussion may take several weeks or even months. Take baby steps. 10. Ask questions. See if they will be open to you about their concerns. It is common that their concerns, if they are willing to share with you, are going to be similar to yours. Question Example: Keeping track of all those medications must be really confusing. How do you feel about that? Listen carefully to their answer! If they agree to changes, offer to help. For example, I can help you do that when I come visit on Saturdays.   If they do not agree to changes: a. If you feel they are safe, leave it alone for a week or a month and revisit the topic later.b. If you do not feel they are safe take a stronger approach - Can I help you and we do it together next time? I want to know how this works in case you need help down the road.    11. Before you react to a concern or objection from your loved one, ask another question such as Tell me more about that or What do you mean by that? This may help them open up and you can learn more about their underlying concerns or worries. 12. Remember that every person and their situation is unique. Even if you have done this for another family member this is a new person. Do not try and put your expectations for their care on them.     If you have had this difficult conversation with your loved one and dont know where to go next, we can help!     Call PIECES today at 970-837-1579 for more information!

Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a senior can make for their health. Smoking poses severe risks, especially for older adults, but quitting can lead to significant improvements in eye health and overall well-being. If you have a senior loved one who smokes, be prepared to support them as they give up the habit. The Impact of Smoking on SeniorsSmoking affects everyone's health, but the impact is even more critical for seniors. It exacerbates conditions like heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues. The risk of developing some types of cancer also increases significantly with prolonged smoking.Specific Effects on Eye HealthSmoking can damage the eyes. It raises the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Maintaining good eye health is essential for seniors to continue enjoying their independence and quality of life.Overall Benefits of Quitting Smoking at Any AgeIt's never too late to quit smoking. The health benefits begin almost immediately. After quitting, blood pressure drops, and lung function improves. Long-term benefits include a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and eye diseases. Quitting smoking adds valuable, healthy years to a senior's life.How Caregivers Can HelpQuitting smoking is tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may have smoked for many years. Nicotine addiction, established habits, and the fear of change are barriers that caregivers must understand and address. Fortunately, there are several practical ways caregivers can assist.Creating a Smoke-Free EnvironmentCaregivers can start by making the home smoke-free. Remove ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes. Encourage the senior to replace smoking habits with healthier activities.Encouraging Healthy Habits and RoutinesPromote healthy habits like walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. Physical activities can help reduce cravings and improve overall health.Providing Distractions and Alternative ActivitiesHelp seniors find alternative activities to occupy their time and mind. Puzzles, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends can serve as excellent distractions from the urge to smoke.Emotional Support and EncouragementEmotional support is crucial for seniors trying to quit smoking. Knowing that someone believes in their ability to quit can make a tremendous difference. Celebrate every small victory, whether it's one smoke-free day or a week. Small rewards can motivate seniors to keep going.Being Patient and UnderstandingUnderstand that quitting smoking is a process. Be patient and offer a listening ear without judgment.Resources for Smoking CessationNational resources like the National Cancer Institute's Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provide free support and valuable information. Guide seniors in accessing these resources. Help them schedule appointments, join online communities, or download helpful apps.Encourage seniors to talk to their healthcare providers about quitting smoking. Doctors can offer medical advice, prescribe medications, and refer them to support programs.Let Us Help You Foster Senior HealthQuitting smoking brings immense benefits for seniors, enhancing their health and quality of life. Caregivers can help and encourage their loved ones through this challenging process. If you have a senior loved one who needs more help at home, including support as they stop smoking, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support families in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont through professional senior care services. Let's work together to help our seniors lead healthier, happier lives.

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges that can be overwhelming. It means coping not just with the loved one's illness and the huge life changes that will come, but with the caregiver's own feelings and struggles too.  Keeping a detailed journal is an organized way to record the progress and effects of the patient's dementia helpful information for their doctors. But it can also provide emotional and psychological benefits for caregivers themselves. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or another illness, here are some things to consider when keeping a journal.  What To Track in Your Journal  Why record what the dementia patient is experiencing? Two reasons: because it will help their doctors and because it will help the caregiver understand and adapt to the effects of the disease.   Daily activities and behaviors: Note any changes in mood, unusual behaviors, or shifts in routine. This can help identify triggers for agitation or anxiety and reveal patterns or changes over time.   Medications and side effects: Record the times and doses of medications. If their medications change, note any side effects or noticeable changes in the person's condition. This can be crucial for managing the drugs' effectiveness and any potential drug interactions.   Eating and drinking habits: What and how much is your loved one eating and drinking? Tracking this information can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which are common issues in people with dementia.   Physical health and symptoms: Record any physical symptoms, such as coughs, changes in mobility, or signs of discomfort. This information can be vital for detecting emerging health issues that may not be directly related to dementia.   Sleep patterns: How much and how well are they sleeping? Do they wake up during the night? Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and affect the health of both the caregiver and the patient.   Falls: Research shows that falls are not only more common among people with dementia, but they can also accelerate cognitive decline. Details about any falls-where, when, and how they occurred-are important information for the doctors.  Journaling: A Safe Space and a Helpful Tool  Keeping a journal helps the caregiver process the complex emotions they're likely experiencing. A journal is a private, safe space where the caregiver can express frustrations, celebrate successes, and acknowledge hardships. Journaling can help them protect their mental health stability, which in turn can help them feel better able to support their loved one effectively.  A journal can also be a place for the caregiver to track the effectiveness of care strategies and treatments. For example, the caregiver may notice that the timing of dinner is causing their loved one distress. Their notes can help them adjust their caregiving as needed.  The caregiver may even decide to keep two separate journals-one for themselves and the other journal (or calendar) about their loved one's condition.  "There is something about recording what is happening to us and our emotional reactions that enables family caregivers to stand apart from the onrush of tasks and crises they're immersed in," said Barry J. Jacobs in an article for AARP. A caregiver himself, Jacobs noted that journaling can help the writer "feel more in control."  How the Journal Can Help Doctors  A detailed journal is a valuable resource during medical appointments. It provides data and examples that help doctors understand the patient's current state beyond what a memory recall or short visit can reveal. This is crucial in diagnosing issues, adjusting medications, or changing treatment plans.  Doctors rely on accurate, detailed information to make informed decisions about treatments and care strategies. For example, if the journal shows that the patient has fallen repeatedly, the doctor may use that information to assess the patient's need for mobility aids, physical therapy, or further neurological evaluation. The doctor may end up identifying a treatable condition, such as an inner ear disorder or vision problems.  Moreover, the journal can help identify early signs of complications or side effects of medications that the patient might not be able to express because of their cognitive condition. This helps the doctor make a change before the complications cause a potentially serious health issue.  Write for Them and for Yourself  Keeping a journal is a simple yet effective tool that can greatly improve the caregiving experience for those managing the care of someone with dementia. You'll help not just your loved one, but yourself as well. Do it in whatever way works best for you. "This is not a school assignment," Jacobs reminds other caregivers. "No one is grading you. Just empty the contents of your mind without judging yourself." If you have any questions, please call Right at Home at 970-494-1111.