How Keeping a Journal Helps Dementia Caregivers

September is Self-Improvement Month, a great reminder that setting personal goals isn't just for New Year's resolutions. While January 1st may seem like the perfect time to start fresh, why wait? In fact, the fall season is ideal for making positive changes. This is especially important for seniors and their caretakers, who can benefit greatly from setting achievable goals now.The Benefits of Setting Goals in the FallSetting goals in the fall has its own unique advantages. The crisp air and changing leaves can be incredibly motivating. The end of summer often signifies a time of new beginningsfrom the start of the school year to the shift in holiday seasons. This makes fall an excellent time to reassess and set new goals.Fall-specific goals could include organizing seasonal clothes and decorations, starting a new exercise routine in anticipation of winter, or joining a local class or activity group.Small Daily Changes That Add UpChange doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time. Consider drinking an extra glass of water each day, taking a 10-minute walk after meals, or doing a short stretching routine every morning. These small steps can help you build momentum and make larger changes more achievable. The key is consistency; even small changes can lead to major improvements in your health and well-being.Mental Health GoalsMental health is just as important as physical health, especially for seniors. Setting mental health goals can improve your overall quality of life. Consider practicing mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes each day, engaging in social activities like joining a book club, attending community events, or keeping a daily gratitude journal.Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health. Simple activities such as chatting with a friend or family member can do wonders for your mood and outlook.Physical Health GoalsPhysical health is crucial at any age, but for seniors, staying active can make a world of difference. Consider taking a daily walk around the neighborhood, incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your day, or trying low-impact activities such as water aerobics or yoga.As the weather changes, staying outdoors may become more challenging. Consider activities you can do indoors, such as tai chi or riding a stationary bike. Consistency is key, so find activities you enjoy and stick with them.Personal Goals You Can Start ImmediatelyWhy wait? There's no better time than now to set personal goals. You don't need a monumental event to motivate you; even the smallest goals can lead to big results. Consider learning a new hobby or skill, such as painting or playing a musical instrument. You might also reconnect with old friends through phone calls or social media or declutter and organize a space in your home.By setting realistic and achievable goals, you increase your likelihood of sticking with them. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and give yourself a reasonable timeframe to accomplish them.Get Help Reaching Your GoalsSetting goals in the fall can enrich your life and provide a sense of accomplishment. Don't wait for the New Year to make positive changes. Start today with small, manageable goals that can lead to significant improvements in your mental and physical health. If you need personalized support to achieve your goals, including help with basic care tasks at home, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We serve Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Let us help you take the first step towards a better, more fulfilling life this fall.

We celebrate National Food Safety Education Month in September. It is an excellent time to focus on kitchen safety, especially for seniors. As we age, our hands and fingers may lose some mobility, making it riskier to use sharp kitchen knives. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that can prove safer for seniors.The Need for AlternativesMany seniors face challenges like reduced hand strength and dexterity, making it harder to handle traditional kitchen knives. This can lead to accidents and injuries, making meal preparation a daunting task. By using senior-friendly kitchen tools, seniors can reduce these risks and continue to enjoy cooking safely.Alternative Tools for Safe CuttingA range of kitchen tools can make cutting and preparing food easier and safer for seniors. Here are some excellent alternatives to traditional knives:1. Electric Food ChoppersElectric food choppers are compact devices that can quickly chop, dice, or mince ingredients with minimal effort. They are easy to use, provide consistent results, and reduce strain on hands. Recommended brands include Ninja Express Chop and Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus.2. Vegetable Peelers with Ergonomic HandleVegetable peelers are designed with large, comfortable grips that make peeling vegetables easier and safer. They reduce hand strain and are easy to hold. Try the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler or KitchenAid Euro Peeler.3. Kitchen ShearsKitchen shears are versatile tools that can cut through various foods like herbs, vegetables, and even poultry. They are multipurpose, easy to control, and reduce the risk of cuts. Consider the KitchenAid All-Purpose Shears or OXO Good Grips Kitchen and Herb Scissors.4. Mandolin Slicers with Safety FeaturesMandolin slicers make it easy to get perfectly even slices of fruits and vegetables without the need for a knife. They offer consistent slices, have safety features like hand guards, and are quick and efficient. Check out the OXO Good Grips Adjustable Handheld Mandoline Slicer or Benriner Japanese Mandoline Slicer.5. Food ProcessorsFood processors are powerful machines that can chop, slice, grate, and blend various ingredients. They are versatile, quick, and efficient, reducing manual effort. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor and Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor are good options.Pre-Cut and Pre-Packaged OptionsSometimes, the best solution is to avoid cutting altogether. Many stores offer pre-cut and pre-packaged produce, which can save time and reduce the risk of injury. These options are widely available in most local grocery stores. Pre-cut produce is convenient, timesaving, and reduces the risk of cuts and injuries. When selecting pre-cut produce, choose items with bright colors, check expiration dates, and look for packaging without excess moisture to ensure quality.Finding the Right Solution for Different Cutting SituationsEach kitchen task may require a different tool. An electric food chopper works well for chopping onions and vegetables. A mandolin slicer is ideal for slicing fruits and vegetables, while kitchen shears are perfect for cutting herbs and softer items.When choosing kitchen tools, consider ease of use and safety features like non-slip grips and safety guards. Personalize your choices based on individual needs. What works for one person might not work for another, so try different tools to see what feels most comfortable and safe.More Help for Seniors at HomeKeeping the kitchen a safe place for seniors is crucial, especially when hand mobility is reduced. By exploring and adopting senior-friendly alternatives to traditional knives, seniors can continue to enjoy cooking without the anxiety of potential injuries. If you need more personalized assistance, contact Senior Helpers Fort Collins. We're here to support you in Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont.

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!