Making Sense of Senior Safety

Is It Time For A Professional Caregiver?Aging comes with challenges, some of which may make it difficult to care for yourself effectively. If youre having trouble with daily activities but want to remain independent and live in your own home, it may be time to consider working with an at-home caregiver. What Is A Professional Caregiver?The idea of hiring a professional caregiver might feel nerve-wracking, and you may have some fears about what bringing a caregiver into your life will be like. All experiences with a professional caregiver and client will differ, but you can generally expect your caregiver to be compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated to helping you age safely. There are different types of professional caregivers and caregiving services. At Visiting Angels, we offer at-home, meaning our caregivers go to clients' homes to help them with daily living tasks so they can continue living independently. A few nonmedical tasks caregivers can assist with include medication reminders, cooking, transportation, grooming, light housekeeping, and mobility assistance. Visiting Angels Daphne offers various at-home care services to meet each client's needs. We also have specialized services for seniors with dementia, those in hospice, or those needing additional assistance after a hospital stay. All services are customizable to ensure each client receives the highest quality of care. Signs You May Need A Professional CaregiverIts never too soon or too late to hire a professional caregiver. However, if you are experiencing any of the following signs, you may want to start a conversation with a trusted home care agency like Visiting Angels.  You need help completing daily tasks like cleaning and cooking.  You find personal tasks like bathing and driving challenging. You have trouble remembering to take your medications.  Youve fallen within the last three months. You feel lonely, anxious, or sad when home alone.  You were recently diagnosed with a chronic health condition. You dont have nearby loved ones to contact if you need help.  Professional Caregivers With Visiting Angels Hiring a professional caregiver is a big decision, and finding the right home care agency and caregiver for you is essential. At Visiting Angels, we offer all potential clients a complimentary consultation to ensure our care solution fits your needs and expectations. During the initial consultation, a care team member explains our services and helps you discover which care service could work for you and how that service can fit into your life. This meeting is also a great time to ask questions and share concerns about caregiving. After the consultation, our care team will develop a personalized care plan addressing your needs. We then match you with a qualified caregiver with the skill set to assist you and a similar personality and interests to help build a foundation for a meaningful relationship. Once all the pieces are in place, Visiting Angels can provide care within 48 hours. Contact us today if youre ready to learn how at-home care from Visiting Angels can help you age safely and independently.Could your loved one living in Daphne, Fairhope, Orange Beach, Bay Minette, Mobile, Gulf Shores, or the surrounding communities benefit from our senior care services? Contact Visiting Angels today to book a no-cost care consultation.    

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays this season, you may notice some changes in your parents or senior loved ones if you havent seen them in a while. They may seem more forgetful, depressed or confused.  Do they have Alzheimers disease or Dementia? Alzheimers disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is both debilitating and life-changing. Is it time to start researching assisted living or memory care communities? Fortunately, there are warning signs your loved one may have Alzheimers disease or Dementia that can help you determine if its time to look at visiting a community, or at least visiting a doctor. 10 Early Indicators of Alzheimers Disease and Dementia in Seniors: -Forgetfulness and Short-Term Memory LossThe early effects of memory loss cause people to forget entire conversations from just moments before. Dementia and Alzheimers disease typically affect short term-memory first (memories that took place just a few moments ago). One of the most telling signs of memory issues are when those suffering forget important dates, the ability to remember their family members or ask for the same information repeatedly. -Increased Confusion or Increased Lack of ConcentrationConfusion about times and places can be one of the first indicators of memory loss. Tasks can take much longer than usual, people may forget where theyre going or how they got there or even be unable to navigate to familiar places. This leads to forgetting to track time, seasons and even the passage of time (which leads to forgotten appointments). -Items Show Up In Strange Places or Loved Ones Are Losing ThingsWe all lose things - but those suffering with the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimers disease lose keys or other things in strange places (like the refrigerator). To compound the issue, those affected may lose items and forget how to retrace their steps. Situations can further escalate to paranoia or theft accusations against caregivers. -Difficulty Doing Common TasksAnyone with memory loss or early signs of Dementia might not remember the coordination associated with cooking a favorite recipe, playing a familiar game, driving a vehicle or performing a hobby. Often, early signs of Alzheimers disease or Dementia are noticeable in depth perception, misjudged distances, and seeing colors- attributing for clumsiness, having accidents, falling or other serious health concerns. -Speaking Problems and Other Language IssuesIssues with memory loss can also cause problems with processing and forming language. This can be apparent in conversations and writing. Your loved ones often compensate for this by using stand-in words or their own terms to avoid describing objects and difficult actions. Sometimes, those suffering will stop abruptly during sentences or when engaged in conversation. -Loved Ones Having Problems with Abstract ThinkingThose suffering from memory loss sometimes have difficulty remembering numbers or doing math problems that are traditionally easy for them like simple change calculations, balancing checkbooks, or performing addition and subtraction. -Lapses of Judgement / Issues Making DecisionsWhile making a bad judgement call or having a difficult time making decisions isnt necessarily a sign of Alzheimers or a sign of Dementia, it could be one of the signs your senior parent or loved one might have Dementia. This could include your loved one falling for offers that are clearly scams, spending a reckless amount of money, or dressing inappropriately for weather conditions or following up on simple plans. -Personality Changes, Mood Swings, Frustration, Fear and Anxiety  Sometimes, those suffering with memory care needs have mood swings and show changes in personality. This can cause those suffering to get scared, act fearful, be depressed, become angry, overly anxious or even worried. This can even cause a calm, confident adult to become immediately tentative, shy, and confused especially when theyre outside of their comfort zone - like in a public area. -Loss of Grooming Ability or Changes in Personal HygieneDeclining attention to personal care (infrequent bathing, wearing the same clothes day in and out, not brushing teeth or hair) are often precursors to dementia. The same is true about cleaning the home - if a homes cleanliness declines suddenly, it could be a sign of a memory issue. -Loved Ones Withdrawal from Friends and FamilyOne of the biggest red flags is when seniors start withdrawing from social opportunities and activities that they enjoyed in the past. Legend Senior Living has found that seniors with dementia and Alzheimers disorder avoid being around people to avoid drawing attention to their memory loss, lapses in memory, or difficulty communicating because of memory loss. These symptoms can seem pretty normal as we engage and interact with our loved ones however, they can also be very telling in understanding how memory loss such as Dementia and Alzheimers disease affect our loved ones.  If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, we encourage you to seek out additional care options and services that ensure your loved one is getting the care they need to live their best life.

Are you looking to breathe new life into your senior living space? Theres no better time than now to refresh your surroundings and create a comfortable, inviting, and functional environment. Here are ten decor ideas that will help you transform your space and make it a reflection of your personality and preferences. Idea 1: Color TherapyChoose the Right ColorsColor plays a significant role in setting the mood of a room. When selecting colors for your senior living space, consider the psychological impact they can have. Soft, muted tones like blues, greens, and lavender can create a calming atmosphere, while warm colors such as yellows, oranges, and reds evoke feelings of energy and happiness. Idea 2: FurnitureComfortable SeatingYour seating should be comfortable and supportive, allowing for relaxation and socialization. Consider chairs with lumbar support, padded armrests, and adjustable heights to accommodate various preferences and mobility levels. Multi-functional FurnitureChoose furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a lift-top coffee table or an ottoman with built-in storage. These pieces can help you save space and keep your living area tidy. Idea 3: LightingNatural LightMaximize natural light by keeping window treatments light and sheer. Natural light can elevate your mood and make your space feel more open and invitingLayered LightingIncorporate different lighting sources such as ambient, task, and accent lighting. This approach allows you to create various moods while ensuring adequate illumination for daily activities. Idea 4: Wall DecorArtworkShowcase your favorite artwork or prints to add personality and visual interest to your walls. Opt for pieces that evoke positive emotions and memories.Family PhotosDisplay family photos in coordinating frames to create a sense of connection and warmth. Group them together for a gallery wall effect or scatter them throughout the room. MirrorsMirrors can make a room feel larger and brighter by reflecting light. Place mirrors opposite windows or light sources to maximize their impact.Idea 5: TextilesRugsA well-chosen rug can anchor your room and provide warmth and comfort underfoot. Look for rugs with non-slip backing and low pile for easier mobility and maintenance. CurtainsChoose curtains that complement your color scheme and provide privacy without blocking natural light. For a cozy feel, opt for heavier fabrics; for a light and airy atmosphere, select sheer or lightweight materials. Throw PillowsThrow pillows can instantly add color, texture, and comfort to your space. Mix and match patterns and textures to create visual interest and a personalized touch. Idea 6: Indoor PlantsAir-purifying PlantsIntroduce air-purifying plants like spider plants, snake plants, or peace lilies to your senior living space. They help remove toxins from the air and create a fresher, healthier environment. Easy-to-care PlantsChoose low-maintenance plants like succulents and pothos, which require minimal watering and care. They add a touch of greenery without demanding too much of your time and energy.Idea 7: Memory WallPersonal MemorabiliaDedicate a wall or section of your living space to showcase personal memorabilia such as travel souvenirs, awards, or keepsakes. This can serve as a reminder of your accomplishments and cherished memories. Shared ExperiencesInclude items that represent shared experiences with friends and family, such as group photos or mementos from special events. This can foster a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships with loved ones. Idea 8: Accessible DesignUniversal Design PrinciplesIncorporate universal design principles like wider doorways, lever-style door handles, and non-slip flooring to make your space more accessible and functional for everyone, regardless of age or mobility level. Aging in PlaceConsider implementing aging-in-place design features, such as grab bars in the bathroom, adjustable countertops, and proper lighting. These adjustments can help ensure your space remains comfortable and safe as your needs change over time. Idea 9: OrganizationDeclutteringTake time to declutter and remove unnecessary items from your living space. This can create a more open, peaceful, and manageable environment. Storage SolutionsIncorporate storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or decorative storage boxes to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Idea 10: Personal TouchesHobbies and InterestsDisplay items that reflect your hobbies and interests, such as a collection of books, musical instruments, or sports memorabilia. This personal touch can make your space feel more like home. Cultural ElementsIncorporate elements of your cultural background into your decor, like traditional artwork, textiles, or pottery. This can provide a sense of connection to your roots and make your space feel more authentic. ConclusionDont worry, refreshing your senior living space is easier than you might think! With these ten decor ideas, you can create a cozy, functional, and personalized environment that truly feels like home. By adding your personal touch and incorporating elements that reflect your unique personality and preferences, you can enjoy the many benefits of a refreshed and revitalized living space. So why wait? Get started today and let your creativity shine! Integracare Senior Living CommunitiesAt Integracare, we know that finding the right care is important for you or your loved ones. Thats why we offer four types of care assisted living, memory care, independent living, and short-term/respite care  across 18 communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Our communities all maintain the same high standards of care, and were always happy to help you find the perfect fit. Creating a comfortable and inviting space is essential for your well-being, and we hope that these ten decor ideas have inspired you to transform your senior living space into a reflection of your unique personality and preferences. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our communities, please dont hesitate to get in touch with us. Were here to help! FAQsHow can I make my senior living space more accessible?Incorporate universal design principles like wider doorways, lever-style door handles, and non-slip flooring. Implement aging-in-place features such as grab bars and adjustable countertops. What types of plants are suitable for a senior living space?Air-purifying and low-maintenance plants like spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, succulents, and pothos are ideal choices. How can I create a sense of connection and warmth in my living space?Display family photos, personal memorabilia, and items that represent shared experiences with friends and family. What are some ways to maximize natural light in a senior living space?Keep window treatments light and sheer, and place mirrors opposite windows or light sources to reflect and amplify light. How can I choose the right colors for my senior living space?Consider the psychological impact of colors when selecting your palette. Soft, muted tones like blues, greens, and lavender create a calming atmosphere, while warm colors like yellows, oranges, and reds evoke feelings of energy and happiness.