Keeping Seniors Safe on the 4th of July: Celebrating with Caution

For older adults, medication mismanagement is all too common. With age comes an increased likelihood of chronic conditions, and many older adults find themselves taking multiple medications to manage their health. While these medications are prescribed to improve well-being, juggling multiple meds can lead to confusion, missed doses, or even dangerous drug interactions.A medication review is a vital step in helping older loved ones take their prescriptions as intended by their doctor. Working with a pharmacist can help clarify instructions, prevent adverse interactions, and ensure the highest level of safety.But where do you begin? Start by gathering information about each medication and preparing a list of questions for the pharmacist. This checklist from American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care experts can help guide you through a thorough medication review.Questions to Include in a Medication Review What is each medication for? Its important to know why the person is taking each medication. Understanding the purpose behind each drug allows you to be more mindful of symptoms to monitor or improvements to expect. A pharmacist can clarify the role of each medication in managing health conditions. How and when should the medication be taken? Some must be taken with food, while others require an empty stomach. Timing can be crucial for medication effectiveness. Ask the pharmacist the best way to administer each drug to avoid diminishing its impact. What are the potential side effects? Every medication comes with a list of possible side effects. Knowing these in advance allows you to monitor any unusual symptoms that may arise. Ask the pharmacist about the most common side effects and what to do if your loved one experiences them. Could this medication interact with other drugs, supplements, or food? Interactions between medications and even certain foods can cause serious health issues. Ask if any of the persons prescriptions could negatively interact with one another, any supplements they may take, or even foods they commonly eat. Are there alternatives with fewer side effects or lower costs? For many older adults, medication costs can be a significant burden. Your pharmacist may be able to suggest generic alternatives or medications with a lower price or fewer side effects, helping to ease financial concerns and improve adherence. What happens if a dose is missed? Mistakes happen, and a missed dose may occur. Its important to know how to handle the situation if this happens. Ask if they should take the medication as soon as they remember, skip the dose entirely, or follow another protocol. Are any new symptoms related to the medication? As your loved one begins a new medication, they may experience symptoms they didnt have previously. Ask the pharmacist whether any new issues that arise are normal side effects or if they warrant further investigation by a doctor. How should the medication be stored? Some medications lose their effectiveness if theyre not stored properly. Make sure to ask whether medications need to be refrigerated, kept out of sunlight, or stored in specific conditions. Are there any over-the-counter products to avoid? Over-the-counter medications seem harmless, but they can sometimes interfere with prescription medications. A pharmacist can help you determine which over-the-counter drugs or supplements to avoid. The Importance of Regular Medication ReviewsA medication review isnt a one-time process. As health conditions change and new medications are prescribed, its essential to review medications regularly to ensure everything works as intended and is still necessary. This also allows you to adjust any medications that are no longer beneficial or may have better alternatives.Taking the time for a medication review can make all the difference in ensuring your loved ones safety. A trusted pharmacist can be invaluable in this process, helping you stay informed and in control.How a Referred Care Provider Can HelpThe referred care providers at American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to help ensure medications are taken exactly as prescribed by providing medication reminders, picking up prescriptions, providing transportation to the pharmacy or doctors office, and more. Contact us today or click the link to the nearest location below to learn more about how we can help: American In-Home Care  Serving Northeast and Central Florda, Ocala, and The Villages Advocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida Whitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa Bay State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 30211751

As the holiday season approaches, many families are excited about the festivities, gatherings, and the warmth that comes from celebrating with loved ones. However, for seniors, the holidays can sometimes evoke a different sentiment, especially when their homes are cluttered and overwhelming. At A Call to Order, we believe that decluttering not only creates a more organized space but also cultivates joy and comfort during this special time. In this blog, well discuss how decluttering can transform senior homes into serene sanctuaries, offering a few tips on how to embark on this rewarding journey.The Emotional Weight of ClutterIts no secret that clutter can induce feelings of stress and anxiety. For seniors, this burden can become significantly heavier. Aging can bring about physical limitations, mood fluctuations, and even feelings of loss or nostalgia. The accumulation of belongings, once cherished, can start to serve as a reminder of whats gone. The transition from cluttered environments to clean spaces not only visually uplifts homes but can also enhance emotional well-being. Decluttering before the holidays not only prepares a space for festivities but also creates an inviting environment for family gatherings. Imagine a peaceful home where your loved one can enjoy the laughter and joy of shared moments without the distraction of clutter. Thats the magic of creating a comfortable space. Tip 1: Embrace Memories, Let Go of ExcessWhen embarking on the decluttering journey, its essential to approach it with sensitivity and empathy. Start by setting aside time to sort through belongings, emphasizing the emotional significance of each piece. A great way to engage your loved one in this process is to invite them to share stories about the items theyve kept. This can be a wonderful bonding experience and can also help them to understand which items truly hold value for them. Actionable Steps:Create Categories: Designate separate areas for items to keep, donate, and discard.Use the One-Year Rule: If your loved one hasnt used or enjoyed an item in the past year, it may be time to let it go.Utilize Memory Boxes: Encourage them to keep a small box for particularly cherished items this helps preserve memories while still reducing clutter.Simplify Spaces for a Stress-Free HolidayOnce the tough decisions about what to keep have been made, its time to create a simplified living space thats easy to navigate and joyful to inhabit. A clean, organized home can significantly lighten the holiday load, allowing everyone to focus on what truly matters: creating memories with family. Tip 2: Optimize Storage and Layout for ComfortAfter decluttering, its essential to think about the layout of furniture and storage solutions. A well-organized, open space enhances movement and reduces hazards. Consider these steps to optimize their environment in a way that ensures safety and ease of access.Actionable Steps:Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to facilitate conversation and movement. Create cozy corners for relaxation, ensuring pathways are clear.Accessible Storage Solutions: Use bins, baskets, or labels to store items neatly. Place frequently used items within easy reach to foster independence and comfort.Holiday Spirit Decor: Once the clutter is cleared, add some holiday touches. Whether its a simple wreath or a collection of family photos, personal touches can bring warmth and joy.The Emotional PayoffAs you embark on this journey of decluttering with your senior loved ones, remember that the emotional payoff can be profound. Clearing their homes of clutter can lead to renewed energy and enthusiasm for the holiday season, allowing them to focus on what truly matters family, love, and connection. A serene environment sets the stage for memorable family gatherings, enhancing the holidays in a deeply meaningful way.At A Call to Order, we are passionate about helping seniors create spaces that reflect joy and ease. Decluttering may initially seem like a daunting task, but with the right approacha sprinkle of love and patienceit can transform into a fulfilling experience. As we gear up for this joyful season, lets ensure that our senior loved ones feel comforted and treasured in their homes. With every item sorted, we pave the way for a warm and peaceful holiday season filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments. Lets celebrate the magic of the holidays by creating a home that invites joy! If you need assistance in your decluttering journey or would like a helping hand, dont hesitate to reach out. Together, we can embrace the spirit of the season while creating space for comfort and connection. Happy holidays from all of us at A Call to Order!

Family caregivers can quickly find themselves overwhelmed and need more support than they have available. Home care can offer that support. Some family caregivers have a ton of support from family and friends. Unfortunately, thats not the case for everyone. Family caregivers who dont get the support they need can quickly feel overwhelmed and overloaded. Caregiving brings with it a lot of responsibilities and demands on top of the ones that exist with daily life alone. Home care services offer the support that family caregivers need to offer the best care possible to the seniors they love.   Family Caregiving Challenges First, it helps to understand the types of challenges that seniors and family caregivers face. So many family caregivers juggle many different roles, which leaves little or no time for them to care for themselves. There is a big emotional toll in caregiving, too. Watching a beloved family members life and circumstances change dramatically can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Caregivers worry a lot about their seniors, too, which adds up over time. If seniors experience mobility challenges or other needs that require more physical effort, family caregivers can experience serious physical demands, too.   Respite Care One of the solutions that can help immediately is for family caregivers to take respite time. This occurs when home care providers step in for a few hours so that family caregivers can step away to take care of other needs. Professional home care providers can handle a variety of different situations, allowing family caregivers to feel confident that everything will be okay while they are gone.   Emotional Support Both family caregivers and seniors experience some big emotional challenges related to caregiving. It can be tough for seniors to acknowledge that theyre experiencing big changes that require them to need additional help. For family caregivers, there is a lot of stress related to wanting to do the right thing. Home care providers understand and offer emotional support to everyone involved. They also spend time with seniors, offering companionship that makes a true difference.   Delegating Responsibilities It can be complicated for family caregivers to let go of some of their responsibilities, even when theyre feeling overwhelmed. Home care providers make it easy for family caregivers to delegate and pass along some of their responsibilities. Home care services can help with light housekeeping tasks, transportation, meal preparation, and so much more.   Benefiting the Entire Family Integrating home care assistance into caregiving routines helps families find more balance. They can focus on the issues that truly matter rather than worrying about how theyre going to get everything done. Seniors get personalized attention, and family caregivers feel more confident in their own abilities.   Home care services offer critical support for family caregivers and seniors. Professional caregivers reduce the workload for family caregivers while making sure seniors are both comfortable and safe. This allows family caregivers to have a much different experience with family caregiving than they might have had up to this point. Being able to focus on self-care gives family caregivers the space they need to fully show up for beloved family members.    If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529 At 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.