Let's Get Heart Smart: How To Practice Health to Your Heart's Content

There are plenty of reasons for family members to take care of aging or disabled loved ones. The role can be rewarding, bringing people closer to the people they love and allowing them to tailor care to their personal needs and preferences. But even the most dedicated family caregivers need a break to focus on their own well-being, especially around the busy holiday season. Thats where respite care comes in.Despite the fact that 1 out of every 5 Americans acts as a caregiver to a loved one, only 15% take advantage of respite care services available to them. Respite care can create better outcomes for caregivers and their loved ones alike. It gives family members time to rest and recharge so they can come back to the role with fresh eyes and renewed spirit.But what is respite care, and is it right for you? Lets take a look at the many benefits of hiring a home care agency to give you a helping hand when you need it.What is In-Home Respite Care?In-home respite care is a form of temporary relief from the responsibilities of caretaking. You get to set the termsit could mean hiring a professional aide for an afternoon, for several weeks, or anything in between. At ComForCare, our highly trained staff can come to your loved ones home to perform many of the duties you provide on a daily basis, including:Preparing meals and helping them eatHelping them groom, bathe, and dressProviding medication remindersGrocery shopping, picking up medications, and related errandsCoordinating care and transporting them to and from doctor appointmentsLight housekeepingUnlike adult day-care centers or respite care facilities, in-home care reduces the stress on your loved one by bringing care to them. They get to stay in their familiar environment with minimal disruption to their routineand you get a break to focus on your needs.Benefits of Respite CareManage Stress & Ward Off BurnoutOver half of family caregivers in an AARP survey reported that they experience moderate to high levels of stress related to their roles responsibilities. Combined with the added pressures of the holiday season, the winter months can quickly lead to burnout for those taking care of loved ones. Respite care gives you room to breathe, just like taking time off work. After all, though it can be deeply rewarding, caretaking is a form of labor. Working so hard without rest can take a serious toll on your mental health, which in turn can affect your ability to care for your loved one.Reduce Health Risks for Your Loved OneWhen were burnt out, busy, or bustling around more than usual, we can overlook important signs of illness or disease progression. Were only human, and can only focus on so many things at once. ComForCares home aides are specially trained to watch for warning signs that your loved one needs medical intervention or additional help. They can also provide you with a fresh perspective after months or even years of seeing your loved one every day.This is especially true if your loved one has recently suffered an injury or had a medical procedure. Temporary respite care during their recovery can reduce the risk of infection and rehospitalization. Its a way to optimize their healing process while taking some time to focus on your health, too.Find Support & a Social NetworkBetween 40% and 70% of family caregivers struggle with feelings of depression, often compounded or caused by isolation and loneliness. During this time of the year when were supposed to be celebrating togetherness, that struggle can begin to feel unmanageable. Not enough caregivers realize that there are support groups for people just like them, where they can come together, socialize, and share their experiences. Home care agencies like ComForCare can connect you with those resources.We do everything in our power to take care of our clientsand that means helping family caregivers just as much as it means assisting their loved ones with their daily needs. We have a wealth of knowledge about mental health resources and support systems, and were glad to share those with you while we give you a helping hand. Respite Care Isnt SelfishIts a GiftOne of the biggest hurdles to self-care can be feelings of guilt. Its easy to see taking time for yourself as a selfish act. But the reality is, taking a break is a gift to your loved one, too. Whether all you need is a day alone to catch up on errands or a week to take your first vacation in years, youll return as a more resilient, more compassionate, and more capable caregiver.At ComForCare, all of our employees are background checked, highly trained, and vetted for a passion for treating all their clients with dignity and respect. Whether they meet your loved one only once or on a regular basis, theyll provide the highest level of care so you can rest easy. To learn more about our work and find a schedule that will fit into your life and your budget, get in touch with us today!

Benefits of Senior Care at HomeAs we grow older, our needs change, and sometimes we require a little extra help to maintain our quality of life. Senior care at home has become an increasingly popular option for many families, offering numerous benefits that cater to the unique needs of older adults. Let's explore why this type of care can be so valuable for our loved ones.Comfort and FamiliarityOne of the greatest advantages of senior care at home is the ability to remain in a familiar environment. For many older adults, their home is filled with cherished memories and provides a sense of comfort that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Staying at home can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is particularly important for those dealing with memory issues or cognitive decline.Personalized CareEvery individual has unique needs, and senior care at home allows for a tailored approach to meet these specific requirements. Whether it's assistance with daily tasks, medication management, or specialized care for conditions like dementia, a personalized care plan ensures that your loved one receives the exact support they need.Companionship and Social InteractionLoneliness and social isolation can have serious negative effects on an older person's health and well-being. In-home caregivers not only provide practical assistance but also offer much-needed companionship. They can engage in conversations, share activities, and provide a friendly face to look forward to each day.Maintaining IndependenceMany older adults fear losing their independence as they age. Senior care at home allows them to maintain a sense of control over their lives while receiving necessary support. Caregivers can assist with tasks that have become challenging, enabling seniors to continue living life on their own terms.Family InvolvementHome care encourages family involvement in the caregiving process. This collaborative approach ensures that the family remains an integral part of the support system, promoting a holistic and well-rounded care experience.Flexible Care OptionsAs needs change over time, in-home care can be adjusted accordingly. Whether it's increasing the level of support or adding specialized services, the flexibility of home care allows for seamless transitions without the need for a major upheaval in your loved one's life.Peace of Mind for FamiliesKnowing that a trained professional is caring for your loved one can provide immense peace of mind for family members. This is especially true for those who live far away or have demanding work schedules that make it difficult to provide regular care themselves.Cost-Effective CareIn many cases, in-home care can be more cost-effective than moving to a residential facility, especially if 24/7 care is not required. It allows families to pay only for the services needed rather than a comprehensive package that may include unnecessary amenities.Promoting Overall Well-beingSenior care at home goes beyond just meeting physical needs. It encompasses emotional and mental well-being too. Caregivers can encourage seniors to stay active, engage in hobbies, and maintain social connections, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life.Specialized Care for Unique NeedsFor seniors with specific health conditions, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, in-home care can provide specialized support tailored to these unique challenges. Caregivers trained in these areas can offer expert assistance and help manage symptoms effectively.Remember, growing older doesn't mean giving up on the joys of life. With the right support, seniors can continue to thrive in the comfort of their own homes, maintaining their independence while receiving the care they need. It's not just about adding years to life but adding life to years.  Quality Care You Can TrustWith over a decade of experience and a team led by a registered nurse, you can trust that your loved one is in good hands with Rita's Home Care. We are passionate about helping those in need and ensuring they receive the best care possible, just as we would for our own family members.Whether you need traditional home care services for an elderly loved one, specialized dementia care support, or end-of-life care, our team is trained and equipped to handle it all. We understand that every individual has unique needs, which is why we offer personalized care plans to ensure your loved one receives the specific support they need to thrive.

Its American Heart Month, so theres no better time for a distinguishing guide of heart attacks VS heartburn. It's natural to feel concerned when experiencing chest discomfort but understanding the difference between conditions can provide peace of mind.Some of our expert caregivers provided crucial insight around the matter, and their practical advice will help navigate your heart health journey."Doctors see an increase in the number of heart attacks during the winter season, said William Daines, MD at Intermountain Medical Center. Similarly, heartburn rates go up this time of year, in part due to overindulgence of comfort foods, late eating, and increased alcohol intake."By learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of each condition, you can take the appropriate steps to address your concerns and, if needed, seek medical care."Although heartburn and heart attack symptoms can share similarities, it is important to recognize the difference, said Kirstin Hesterberg, DO, an Intermountain Health cardiologist in Denver, Colorado.Heartburn signs and symptomsHeartburn often feels like a burning sensation in your chest that can move up to your throat. And despite its name, it has nothing to do with your heart. Its caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus."Indigestion generally causes temporary chest discomfort or burning anywhere from the upper abdomen to the throat, said Dr. Daines. Heartburn usually hits after eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, but as with too much caffeine, feeling stressed, or eating too much."Common signs and symptoms of heartburn include:Burning sensation in the chestSour taste in the mouthDifficulty swallowingRegurgitation of food or liquidThese symptoms usually occur after eating or when lying down. While heartburn can be uncomfortable, it typically doesnt cause severe pain or lasting damage to the heart.Heart attack signs and symptomsA heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Unlike heartburn, a heart attack can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullnessPain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomachShortness of breathNausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweatsSoubi Azzouz, MD, Interventional and Structural Cardiologist at St. Marys Medical Center, said the most common symptom association he sees is with exertional activities.During silent heart attacks, the most common nonviolent symptom that patients experience is exertional dizziness or shortness of breath while doing an activity, said Dr. Azzouz. And they sit down, and it goes away, and dont link it with their heart.Silent heart attacks are cardiac arrests with mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, that you may not recognize as a medical emergency.It's important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and women may have different signs than men. If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, dont wait call emergency services.These symptoms can indicate a serious cardiovascular event and require prompt attention," said Dr. Hesterberg. "If someone experiences heartburn with other symptoms, especially the ones mentioned above, seeking care is advised."Heart attack preventionWe wrote about heart attack risk factors this month. While some risk factors for heart attacks, like age and family history, cant be changed, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. If you need heart-smart diet advice, check out the latest in heart healthy diets.Stay physically active with regular exercise. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity.Manage stress through relaxation techniques or hobbies. Research has shown that anger, depression, and anxiety are all strong risk factors for heart disease.Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. The AHA recommends no more than two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women.Keep chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol under control with medication and lifestyle changes. Regular visits with your primary care provider should supplement this.By adopting heart-healthy habits, you can significantly lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack.Understanding the differences between heartburn and a heart attack is crucial for your well-being. If youre unsure about your symptoms, its always better to err on the side of caution and seek help. Take care of your heart its the only one you have!