Saad Healthcare: A Family Tradition of Caring

How To Support Seniors With Limited Mobility At HomeRecent research suggests that mobility limitations are becoming more prevalent among older adults, affecting nearly 35 percent of people 70 and older. Living with limited mobility is challenging, and having a supportive person to help navigate this transition can greatly impact your aging loved ones well-being and quality of life.What Causes Mobility Limitations?Mobility limitations can arise in seniors for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common causes include arthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness from aging, and chronic pain.Tips For Supporting Seniors With Limited MobilityIf you have a senior in your life who has limited mobility, consider these tips for supporting them on their mobility journey.Assist With Home ModificationsHome modifications are likely one of the primary things your loved one will need help with if they have a mobility limitation. Home modifications include lots of tasks, both small and large. Every persons home modification needs are going to differ depending on their mobility. A few common modifications that most individuals benefit from include:Grab bars: Install grab bars in areas where your loved one frequently moves from a sitting to a standing position, such as around in the bathroom by their tub or toilet or by their favorite armchair.Clear walkways: Even the steadiest person on their feet will have trouble navigating cluttered spaces. Keep walkways free of clutter, reduce unnecessary objects around the home like unused furniture, secure or remove rugs, and make sure cords are neatly tucked away or consolidated into cord organizers.Reorganization: Move your loved ones most used items to easily accessible places, such as on a lower shelf or on the first floor of the home.Lever handles: Circular door handles can be difficult to grip and twist for individuals with arthritis or hand pain. Lever handles that you can push down to open are specifically designed for people with mobility challenges. Help your loved one switch out their round handles for lever ones to give them greater independence in their own home.Help Them Find Mobility DevicesA mobility device is anything that your loved one can use to help them move more easily. Popular mobility devices include canes, walkers, or motorized scooters. You can find lots of great options at Mobility City, including motorized chairs, ramps, and stair lifts.Encourage Daily MovementEvidence shows that 50 minutes of moderate physical activity in seniors with mobility limitations can improve mobility. This improvement in mobility is because exercise and movement strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, making it easier for seniors to move.Moderate activities raise the heart rate, but they arent so hard that you are out of breath. Great moderate activities for seniors can include walks, water aerobics, or cycling on a stationary bike. Sometimes, even basic daily activities like housework or shopping can count as moderate activity.Lend An EarSometimes, being present and listening to someone during a challenging time can make a huge difference. When you have limited mobility, it can be difficult to leave the house, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy activities as you once did. Having a reliable person to spend time with while going through a difficult time can improve your emotional and mental health.Work With An Occupational TherapistDepending on the cause of mobility limitation for your loved one, they may benefit from working with an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists are medical professionals who help people build the strength and dexterity to complete everyday tasks. Attending a session with your loved one can help you learn specific exercises that you can perform with your loved one to improve their mobility.How Visiting Angels Can HelpMobility assistance is one of the many services Visiting Angels caregivers offer through our at-home care services. Our caregivers help clients move safely around the home and handle basic household tasks, like cooking or cleaning, that may be difficult for clients with limited mobility. Caregivers can also provide mediation reminders, bathroom assistance, and local transportation to doctors appointments.  Contact us at 251-943-7525 for more information.

Volunteering In Mobile: How Caregivers Can Stay EngagedAccording to a 2023 study, roughly 23 percent of Americans formally volunteer with an organization. Volunteering is voluntary by nature, and theres a reason so many people actively participate in organizations.As a caregiver, you understand the value of helping others. Volunteering comes in many forms and is a wonderful opportunity to help you stay engaged in your community.Benefits Of Volunteering For CaregiversPeople volunteer for different reasons, but many of them start to volunteer because of the personal benefits they can gain. As a caregiver, you may find that caregiving can help you:Recharge: When you volunteer with an organization youre passionate about, your work with them will likely be fun and can help you recharge and take a break from your caregiving dutiesor any other stress in your life.Prevent burnout: Volunteering and focusing on other activities can help prevent caregiver burnout, just as they can help you recharge.Connect with others: Volunteering builds empathy and can help you better connect with people, especially those who come from different backgrounds.Reduce stress: Some volunteer opportunities can be high-stress environments. However, others, such as animal shelters/rescues or gardening/landscaping for community spaces, can be therapeutic and relaxing experiences.Strengthen a sense of purpose and community: When you volunteer for your community, you see first-hand how your work is impacting your immediate surroundings and gives you a sense of purpose.Foster local connections: Volunteer organizations are great places to meet new people, both through the organization and through other volunteers.Local Volunteer OpportunitiesMobile and the surrounding area have many volunteer opportunities to appeal to the interests and skills of all individuals. Whether youre looking to grab free cuddles with a shelter dog or an environmentalist who finds comfort in gardening, youre sure to find something rewarding from one of the volunteer opportunities below.AnimalsIf youre an animal lover who wants an excuse to get face time with all different kinds of pets and animals, consider volunteering with one of these local organizations.Azalea City Cat Coalition: This organization cares for stray cats in Baldwin and Mobile counties. It is regularly looking for volunteers to help with various tasks like trapping and caring for cats, as well as with events.Phillip Cares: This animal welfare organization helps low-income pet owners access food, toys, and veterinary care for their pets. Volunteers with Phillip Cares can help with hosting fundraisers, gathering supplies for homes, and building meaningful connections.Purrfect Partners of Mobile: This non-profit cat and kitten rescue cares for homeless cats and helps them find the perfect forever homes. It is looking for volunteers to assist at the adoption center and foster cat parents.Education And CultureVolunteering can be a wonderful opportunity to learn and feed your curiosity. If you thrive on being a lifelong learner, you may enjoy working with one of these organizations.Goodwill Gulf Coast provides programs and services to families and individuals in need throughout the Gulf Coast. There are plenty of ways volunteers can volunteer here, from small tasks like sorting items to larger initiatives like community outreach and awareness.The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico has many immersive exhibits that educate the masses. Volunteers can help greet visitors, assist educators with school groups, and help navigate the exhibit galleries.Big Brothers, Big Sisters is a mentoring organization for Mobiles youth. Volunteers act as mentors and work with their assigned youth members to provide a caring and supportive presence in their lives.The Gulf Coast Exploreum is an educational science center that offers interactive exhibits and hosts events to spark curiosity about science. Volunteers can help with daily operations, special events, and exhibits.EnvironmentIf you love the outdoors and are looking for ways to protect nature, consider working with one of these environmental organizations.Alabama Coastal Foundation works with the public sector and other nonprofits to protect and care for Alabamas coastal environment. Volunteers can assist with cleanup and care initiatives to preserve the Alabama coast.Dog River Clearwater Revival works to provide a safe and clean Dog River Watershed environment. Volunteers can help educate the public and keep the space clean and safe.Caregiving With Visiting AngelsCaregiving can be a demanding job, but its also a rewarding opportunity to assist seniors throughout your communitywhile getting paid to do so! Contact our Mobile office at 251-345-4100 to learn more about caregiving opportunities with Visiting Angels.

The Power Of Support Networks For Family CaregiversTheres a popular saying that it takes a village to raise a family, and the same could be said for caring for our older population. As we age, it helps to lean into our local communities and support networks for assistance with numerous changes and challenges. For caregivers, whether professional or not, this includes building a network of personal support to prevent you from taking on too much and experiencing caregiver burnout.What Is A Support Network?A support network can be any group of people who provide resources and assistance for a given purpose. For family caregivers, this could apply to physical support with caregiving tBenefits Of A Support NetworkCaregiving is hard work. Its essential that family caregivers have access to the support they need to keep them from putting too much pressure on themselves. Getting emotional support as well as relief from your duties when you need it can help replenish the energy the role requires. For some, caregiving is like having another full-time job on top of their career, family obligations, and other life commitments. A support network can lower your risk of burnout, share knowledge with you, and lend an ear when you need it.Reduce Stress And BurnoutMore than 66 percent of unpaid caregivers reportedly experience burnout, which refers to the physical and mental exhaustion that results from neglecting your own self-care. It tends to happen when caregivers shoulder too much of the burden by themselves and dont ask for help when they need it. A support network will allow you to offload some of those tasks to reduce your stress and give you space to relax and recharge when you need it.Share KnowledgeCaregiving for an older adult is not something everyone naturally knows how to do. Its a learned skill. Connecting with a caregiver community is one way to share and build knowledge about the tasks you are taking on. Your network can provide practical advice for helping your loved one and teach you the basics of caring for an aging senior.Emotional SupportBeing a family caregiver can be emotionally and mentally draining, as well. People who haven't done the work may not understand what youre going through. Building a support network with other family caregivers or professionals can give you an outlet to express your emotional challenges to people who will relate to you.Local Support ResourcesEven if youre the primary caregiver for an aging relative, you dont have to handle everything by yourself. There are many resources at your disposal to help you build a support network, including a Visiting Angels caregiver who can step in and provide quality care when you need a break.Caregiver Support GroupsThe state of Alabama and the city of Daphne have various resources and support groups for caregivers and seniors with age-related challenges. A few organizations with educational and supportive resources include:Doris Marie Jones Foundation  support services for family caregivers with loved ones who have dementia.Area Agency on Aging  programs supporting people over 60 and their caregivers.Gulf Coast Dementia Services  weekly support groups for caregivers and loved ones with dementia.Senior CentersWhat senior centers are in your area? The Daphne Senior Center is a great way for your aging loved one to connect with other local seniors while putting you in touch with other family caregivers. The center hosts monthly events such as game nights, fitness classes, crafting sessions, and support groups. You can view their full calendar of events online.Consider attending an event with your loved one as a way to get out of the house and connect with other residents in similar situations. You might meet other family caregivers who have advice and resources to share based on their experiences.Faith-Based OrganizationsFaith-based organizations, such as churches and temples, are wonderful places where you can receive support from a like-minded community. Many host events and support groups that are open to anyone in the community. The place you attend may also offer personalized support for your situation, such as a prayer group or volunteer group to help with small tasks like delivering meals to the elderly.If youre a part of a religious organization, talk to fellow members and leaders about your situation and what sort of help you need. Even if there is no official support system, youll likely find people who are sympathetic and willing to lend a hand.Contact Visiting Angels for Caregiver SupportVisiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency that creates personalized care plans for all of the seniors it serves to help them age safely in place. We offer a range of care services that can be combined to meet each individuals needs. Whether a family requires full-time assistance for a loved one with serious limitations, or they want temporary help to recharge from burnout, the Visiting Angels team is ready to help.Contact our Daphne office at 251-517-9700 to get more information about our home care services and to schedule a complimentary consultation on how we can assist you and your family.