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Humans are social creatures who crave companionship, seek out personal connections, and find solace in shared experiences. The coronavirus pandemic began more than a year ago, and virtual interactions are still the safest way to connect with vulnerable individuals. During this time of limited social exposure, its normal for feelings of isolation and loneliness to emerge.Social distancing has been particularly hard on already-homebound seniors, who have received fewer visits and had less opportunity to venture into the community not because of neglect but out of fear for their safety. The country is moving in the right direction with vaccinations helping to reduce new surges of the virus. Still, until things return to normal, it's important to continue connecting virtually with your senior loved ones, especially those with health concerns, to let them know you care. It's not the same as face-to-face contact, but technology can still provide social benefits and improve mental health.Phone CallsIf your senior loved one is tech-averse, a good old-fashioned phone call is a great place to start. If your loved one doesn't already have a cell phone, there are plenty of easy-to-use smartphones for seniors out there. The trick is to initiate the call yourself. Many seniors dont want to be a burden, so picking up the phone, even for a five-minute conversation, can lighten your loved one's mental load and provide a much-needed social outlet.Text Messages and EmailsSometimes a quick I love you text goes a long way. Show your senior family member how to text if they don't already know how. Emails are also a useful way to spread joy. Consider starting a monthly family newsletter to let everyone know what youve been up to, share interesting news stories or funny memes, and send family photos.Video ChatsVideo chatting has revolutionized the way we communicate virtually. It's the next best thing to in-person interactions, making it a must for seniors to learn how to use. First, find a good tablet or laptop for seniors to provide your loved one with a large, portable screen for chatting. Then, pick a platform, such as FaceTime (for iOS devices), Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. Teach your loved one how to use the platform, and you'll open up a range of ways to stay connected. If your loved one has in-home help, their caregiver can often facilitate video chats if technology is a challenge.If your schedule allows, pick a time to video chat with your senior loved one once a week, giving them something to look forward to if they start feeling lonely. Your visits don't have to be a sit-down conversation. You may arrange to cook the same meal together, enjoy a cup of coffee while sitting on your respective balconies, or pray with one another before bed.Once your senior loved one is comfortable receiving video calls, consider setting up a virtual reunion where multiple family members join the chat all at once. You may even arrange this as a surprise for your loved one so you can relish the look of joy that spreads across their face when they see so many familiar faces on their phone, tablet, or computer screen.Social MediaAbout seven out of 10 Americans are on Facebook, and seniors are the fastest-growing segment on the platform. Instagram, a photo and video-sharing social network, is another option. Help your senior loved one set up an account and connect with family members who are already on social media. You can also explain how to post updates of their own, find local and online events, join groups, and more.Marco PoloThis messaging app is like having a video walkie-talkie. Marco Polios a great way for seniors to connect with busy family members because it allows users to send high-quality videos of themselves or something theyre doing, and the recipients can respond at their leisure. The app comes in a free version, but a paid subscription unlocks more features.Virtual Story Time with GrandkidsReadeois an app that lets your senior loved one have virtual story time with the grandkids. The platform has over 150 children's books to choose from, which can be read together through the integrated Book Chat. Guest memberships are limited to the book of the month, while members pay $9.99 per month for full library access and unlimited chatting.Virtual Movie NightsDo you miss getting together for movie nights with your loved ones? Hold a virtual watch party! Amazon Prime members can pull up a movie on their computer and click Watch Party to stream with up to 100 friends at once. Teleparty is another option. Simply install the free Chrome browser extension to sync the video you and your loved ones are watching on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or HBO.LettersLetter writing isn't exactly the latest technology, but that's why it may appeal so much to your senior loved ones. Stock up on stationery, envelopes, and stamps buy some for your family members as well and become pen pals! Consider having children in the family draw special pictures to include in your letters as well. This is a great way for multigenerational families to bond. Plus, there's something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail.Special DeliveriesLetters aren't the only thing you can have delivered to your loved one's door. Surprise them with a bouquet of flowers, a care package of their favorite goodies, or a delicious meal from a local restaurant. Small gestures like this can make your family members day, no matter how far away you live.Home Care ServicesWith so many opportunities to connect virtually, it's clear that being physically distant doesn't have to stop you from bonding with your senior loved ones. Still, you may have concerns about their daily health and safety that you can't attend to from afar. Thats where home care services come in. At BrightStar Care we follow national patient safety goals and CDC guidelines to ensure we can care for your loved one safely in their home.Our nurses, CNAs, and caregivers believe that caring is more than just a job it's a way of life. We offer the most professional, compassionate care available in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. With a full range of in-home services to choose from, were sure to meet your loved ones changing needs.

Spring Cleaning ChecklistThe weather is starting to turn, and it's time to indulge in the annual spring-cleaning ritual. Its extra important for seniors to conduct spring cleaning checklists and let go of items that pose potential threats. So, clean out your garage, straighten up your parents' home and prepare your living area for the season ahead! Take a look at BrightStar Cares guide to tidying up as the seasons change. Dispose of Harmful Items First things firstget rid of any items that may be harmful. We often overlook things that have been in our homes for a while and dont realize they may become dangerous as time goes on. Here are nine things, according to AARP (Opens in a new window), that you should get rid of during this years spring cleaning: Hazardous WasteAerosol cans, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze and paint all need to be properly disposed of so they dont contaminate the environment or accidently harm elderly folks, children or pets. Exposure to these substances and other household chemicals (Opens in a new window) can lead to headaches, allergic reactions and, in severe cases, respiratory illnesses. Go to Earth911.com to find a safe place for disposal. Piled-Up Plastic ContainersDo you have piles of plastic containers sitting around just in case? Take a closer look at that plastic. Containers with recycle codes 3 or 7 may contain BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical that leaches into food as containers age or heat up in the microwave or dishwasher. Replace containers made before 2010 with new plastic or glass ones, that dont contain BPA.Expired or Unused MedicationsWith age, there often comes a greater reliance on medication. But what happens when you no longer need certain medicines? Too often, people let expired medication gather dust. Instead, toss old drugs in an eco-friendly way. Dont flush them down the toilet or put them in the trash. Take them to official collection sites on National Take-Back Initiative Day, April 27. If you keep expired medications around, you risk someone accidentally taking the wrong drug. Old SpicesDried-up, decades-old spices wont make you sick, but they wont add flavor or nutrients to your food, either. According to experts at McCormick (Opens in a new window), seasoning blends last one or two years. Herbs and ground spices are good for one to three years, and whole spices last up to four years. Saving these age-old spices only adds to the clutter in your loved ones home. Moldy MakeupMakeup is only safe for a limited time. After that, infection-causing bacteria can start to grow, especially in eye makeup. Mascara only lasts two to three months, lip gloss six months and foundation six months to a year.Crusty Contact Lens CasesDid you know that 92% of contact lens cases are contaminated due to poor hygiene and lack of cleaning? Eye experts (Opens in a new window) say cases should be cleaned with a fresh soaking solution and dried every day. After three months of use, its time for a replacement.Old PillowsPillows older than 18 months contain fungi, dead skin and dust mites that can aggravate allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Try folding your pillow in half and squeezing out the air. If it doesnt spring back, its too old. Beyond allergies and asthma, the Sleep Foundation (Opens in a new window) asserts that old pillows also contribute to sore musclesa big concern for many elderly folks. Expired Canned FoodCanned food certainly last longer than produce, but these goods will expire after a while. Be sure to read the labels on canned products to learn how long it will keep for. Canned tomatoes and fruits are good for 18 months, while canned meat and vegetables last up to five years. Throw old, expired food awayif its expired, it shouldnt be eaten or donated. Germy Kitchen SpongesAccording to a study done by the Agricultural Research Service (Opens in a new window), microwaving your sponge can kill 99.9 percent of germs. These cleaning implements are rife with bacteria thriving in the damp crevices. Some of these bacteria are linked to severe gut and skin infections. To reduce the bad stuff, microwave your sponge daily in an inch of water for a minute on high heat.Spring Cleaning Tips for Older AdultsOnce your loved ones home is free from any harmful materials, its time to get started on the rest of your spring-cleaning list. Here are just a few more tips for making the most of the season: Cleaning Up for Fall SafetyAround 36 million falls (Opens in a new window) are reported each year, and thats only counting those among older adults. With such a staggering number, its clear that falls are not just passing dangerstheyre a public health concern. This years spring cleaning is a perfect time to evaluate your loved ones home safety and focus on fall prevention. As you help them tidy up, consider the following tips for a safer living space (Opens in a new window): Clear walkwaysRemove any boxes and cords from walkways. Even if theyre easy to avoid for you, they could be a tripping hazard for seniors. Tidy up high-traffic areasConsider moving pieces of furniture like coffee tables and ottomans from high-traffic areas. Try putting side tables right beside furniture instead of obstructing walkways. Examine the floorsHave you noticed loose floorboards or rugs? Repair any damaged flooring or carpeting as soon as possible and use double-faced tape to fasten loose rugs to the floor. Invest in non-slip matsPlace non-slip mats in areas prone to getting wetoutside the bathtub, in front of the kitchen sink and in entryways. Checking Safety Equipment Heres another thing to add to your spring-cleaning checklistfire safety. Its a good idea to check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers regularly, and you might as well lump this task in with spring cleaning. Ensuring your loved ones home is fire-safe will give you added peace of mind. Try these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (Opens in a new window): Install a smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping areaReplace smoke alarms that are older than 10 years Ensure carbon monoxide alarms work and are less than seven years oldCheck all electrical cords and replace those in poor condition Make sure outlets do not feel warm to the touch Develop a fire escape plan that identifies an outside meeting place Clearing ClutterYoure armed with lots of spring-cleaning tips, but maybe you dont quite know where to start. Its understandable tidying up an entire home is overwhelming, especially when youre doing so on behalf of a loved one. If youre feeling stressed, implement these strategies while spring cleaning (Opens in a new window) for a senior loved one: Start small: Try not to think of spring cleaning as one giant project. Instead of resolving to clean the whole house today, start with a drawer, cupboard or closet and go from there. Create three piles: As you sift through your loved ones things, place them into one of three pileskeep, donate and toss. Organizing items this way avoids one big, overwhelming pile of stuff youll have to sort out later. Downsize: Consider using this time to downsize. For every new item your loved one adds to their home, ask them to choose something to throw out. Encourage them to donate unused items in good condition and get rid of trash right away. Manage your time: Spring cleaning can last more than one day. If youre on a time crunch, dedicate just a few hours over the weekend to clean. Dont feel like you have to do everything at once spread the responsibility over several days. Ask a professional: You dont have to do it alone! Look into professional organizers in your area and ask them for help decluttering your loved ones home.  Call 24/7 BrightStar Care today to learn more 303-300-6666.

Stay Sun-Safe with These Sun Safety Tips Summer is in full swing and with it comes the long-awaited sunshine. While the sun can provide many benefits, it can also be detrimental to our health if we do not take care to protect ourselves.  Whether you're spending time outdoors on a sunny day, going for a walk or just sitting on the porch, protecting yourself from harmful rays should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we will share tips and tricks on how to keep safe in the sun. Facts and Stats About Skin Cancer  Staying ahead of skin cancer means staying informed about its causes, risks, and outcomes. The Skin Cancer Foundation (Opens in a new window) shares the following staggering facts and stats about skin cancer in the United States:  1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. Your risk for melanoma doubles after experiencing five or more sunburns. Early detection of melanoma leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate. Risks of Skin Cancer and Who is Most at Risk Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are more at risk than others. According to the American Cancer Society (Opens in a new window), those with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more likely to get skin cancer, as are those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Additionally, exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can greatly increase your risk. And while skin cancer can happen at any age, it's more common in people over the age of 50, says the Skin Cancer Foundation (Opens in a new window).  Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun We all want to make sure that were taking the best possible care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves from the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Overexposure can lead to serious health risks such as dehydration, sunburns, heat exhaustion even skin cancer so its imperative for us to be aware of sun protection methods during outdoor activities. Here are some sun safety tips to bear in mind when spending time outside: Apply sunscreen regularly: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure that sunscreen is evenly applied, use about an oz (a shot glass) worth of sunscreen or enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Wear appropriate clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider sun protective clothing with UV blocking fabric. Seek shade: Stay under the shade as much as possible and always use an umbrella, tent, or other porous objects to provide shade. Again, avoid being in the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water being in the sun can be dehydrating. Dont be fooled by cloudy weather: UV radiation can still damage your skin, even on a cloudy day. It is important always to apply sunscreen when going outside for an extended period. Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Opens in a new window), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and it affects millions of people every year. It is caused by damage to the skin cells caused by the sun's harmful UV rays. CDC research show that certain people carry risk factors that make them more susceptible to skin cancer (Opens in a new window). Whether you have risk factors for cancer or not, there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer: Monitor your medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist, about the potential side effects and how to protect your skin. Live a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all have a positive effect on your skin. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can give your skin the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding skin cancer. Avoid Tanning Beds: If you're looking to get a tan, skip the tanning bed and opt for a self-tanner instead. Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful UV rays, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Get Regular Skin Checks: Schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist to have your skin checked for any signs of skin cancer. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment. Protect. Protect. Protect: As mentioned above, some of the most proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer is to seek the shade; avoid the suns UV rays when they are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm; wear sun protective clothing; and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Call today for more information 303-300-6666.

If you have an elderly loved one, you may have been waiting anxiously for the COVID-19 vaccine. Because COVID-19 symptoms can be more dangerous for older people, it's natural for you to want your loved one to receive a vaccine as quickly as possible. For some older people, however, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an intimidating prospect. Because COVID-19 testing and approval took place at such an unprecedented pace, your seniors may have concerns, worries, or even fears about its safety. Here, we offer some suggestions for allaying those concerns and helping your seniors determine the best course of action for their health care.Start off with an open discussion. Acknowledge your loved ones worries with validating statements like I understand your concerns. Reiterate what the person says, to show that you hear what's being stated, in order to effectively communicate. Ask questions to better understand the others point of view. Offer information and provide reassurance.Talk about the efficacy rate of the vaccine. Seniors are at a greatly increased risk of serious consequences from COVID-19, which is why it's important for them to get the vaccine. They should know that the vaccine is a powerful tool against the virus, with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at 94.1% efficacy and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at 95%. The most recent vaccine, from Johnson and Johnson, has a 90% efficacy rate, but studies have shown that its 100% effective in reducing severe effects of COVID-19, like hospitalization and death.Acknowledge concerns about risks. The vaccines were approved very quickly, so it's understandable that people might be worried about risks and side effects. However, they've been thoroughly tested. Research indicates side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are minimal, like a low-grade fever or pain at the injection site. Further, the information we have so far indicates that older adults may have a lower risk of side effects from the vaccine than younger people.Know who to trust. There's so much information and misinformation swirling around about the COVID-19 vaccine. Make sure to get your information from reliable, unbiased sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It's also smart to talk to your doctor about the vaccine. A person's doctor can not only explain the most recent COVID-19 vaccine update, but can also discuss whether the vaccine is appropriate, considering the individuals allergies and medical conditions.Talk about the testing. While the process may have seemed rushed, the vaccine testing was actually quite rigorous. It might be helpful to share information about how the vaccines effectiveness and safety were established.The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was tested on 44,000 people, with 41% if the participants over 56 years of age.The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial had 30,351 participants, including older adults, 25% over the age of 65.The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involved about 45,000 people, 34% of them over age 60.In trials for all three vaccines, scientists overseeing the studies observed participants after they received the vaccine and noted only minor side effects over the course of two months.Address the goal of a return to normalcy. The COVID-19 vaccine wont miraculously transports us all back to our pre-pandemic lives. However, seniors who receive the vaccine are taking the first step toward a less restricted lifestyle, a return to hobbies and in-person interaction with friends and loved ones.At BrightStar Care, we know that healthcare can sometimes be confusing, and caring for a family member can be challenging. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available, in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Further, because we have a Director of Nursing overseeing all care, at every level, whether personal or skilled, our patients and their family members have access to someone with insight regarding COVID-19 vaccination. If you have questions related to the vaccines, or any follow-up questions, feel free to ask and we'll offer expert advice.

What to Know About Sepsis and RecoverySepsis is a condition that affects the whole body and requires quick action. Families with senior loved ones need to understand sepsis so they can react appropriately when faced with the signs of sepsis. This life-threatening condition affects at least 1.7 million adults in America every year, and without timely treatment, it can lead to organ failure and sometimes death. To best protect yourself and your family, it's essential to know the common risk factors for sepsis and what treatment options are available. Learn more about this serious condition from the team at BrightStar Care.What Is Sepsis?Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when an infection triggers an extreme immune reaction. Instead of attacking the infection, sometimes the immune system starts to damage normal tissue and send inflammation through the body. If it's not treated quickly and properly, sepsis can cause tissue damage, organ failure and in some cases death. Some people are at higher risk of sepsis than others, particularly if they have any of these risk factors:A weakened immune systemChronic medical conditions, including diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney diseaseA recent severe illnessCurrent or recent hospitalization for a severe illness or surgeryTrauma injury such as severe burnsAged 65 and olderA previous sepsis diagnosisRecognize the Signs and SymptomsThis condition can be dangerousso what are the symptoms of sepsis? Identifying sepsis in older adults can be challenging. It's not uncommon to confuse sepsis with cardiac, renal or immune problems. With this in mind, it's even more important to know the tell-tale signs of sepsis and get help immediately. According to the CDC, individuals with sepsis may have a combination of these symptoms:Fever and chillsShortness of breath and difficulty breathingClammy or sweaty skinConfusionRacing heart or weak pulseExtreme painLow blood pressureCaring for Seniors with SepsisWhen it comes to caring for seniors with sepsis, hospitalization is often necessary to provide the appropriate level of medical care and treatment. It's all about timely carean older patient's best chance for survival is a rapid response. If you notice symptoms of sepsis, head to the emergency room immediately. Upon arrival, doctors will begin treatment right away, administering fluids and antibiotics.For many caregivers, a sepsis scare makes them feel powerless. While caregivers will need to let doctors take care of the medical aspect, they can play a crucial role in recovery. They should remain aware of symptoms and encourage the following prevention measures:Stay hydratedWash hands frequentlyMaintain a healthy dietEnsure immunizations are up to datePractice good oral hygieneTreat cuts and wounds promptlySeek medical care at the first sign of infectionCommon Sepsis TreatmentsPrompt treatment is essential when dealing with sepsis symptoms in older adults. Fortunately, healthcare professionals are trained on the proper steps to take when an individual begins showing signs. While everyone will require a unique treatment approach, these interventions have been effective at combating sepsis:Antibiotics: Treatment with antibiotics is a proven way to treat sepsis. These medications target infection-causing bacteria and stop their spread throughout the body. Once blood tests reveal what is causing the infection, a specific antibiotic can be administered to help.IV Fluids: In addition to antibiotics, most people need intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration. IV fluids ensure the organs continue to function and can help reduce damage from sepsis.Oxygen Therapy: Sepsis patients may need supportive care in the form of oxygen therapy.Vasopressors: Vasopressors are used when a patient's blood pressure drops. They narrow the blood vessels and promote a rise in blood pressure.Surgery: In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the infected tissues causing sepsis.Intensive Care: Most people diagnosed with sepsis will need care from a hospital's intensive care unit. Here, they can receive the life-saving treatments they need.Recovering From SepsisRecovering from sepsis is often difficult. Nevertheless, sepsis survivors may be able to recover completely and return to their normal lives. While there are typically some long-term effects, plenty of people have recovered from sepsis thanks to a combination of in-home care, hospital stays and physical rehabilitation. Recovery looks different for everyone, but many benefit from the following:Physical Rehabilitation: After surviving sepsis, physical rehabilitation begins in the hospital. This involves gradually regaining mobility and strength through exercises and movement. The goal is to rebuild muscle tone, improve coordination and restore physical function.Ongoing Monitoring: Sepsis can have long-term effects and lead to organ dysfunction. With this in mind, it's important to consistently monitor your loved one for symptoms. Regular check-ups with a primary physician are critical.Emotional Support: Recovery is often an emotional battle as well as a physical one. Sepsis patients have been known to deal with depression, anxiety and confusion, even once they've returned home. Family caregivers may provide emotional support themselves or coordinate companion care with a local provider.Tips for Home RecoveryTime is of the essence when responding to sepsis, but recovery time is a different story altogether. Recovery is anything but quick, and many sepsis survivors have a long road ahead of them. Thankfully, there is plenty you can do to help your loved one recover from home. Try these approaches to streamline the recovery process:Help your loved one set achievable goalsthis could be walking up a few stairs or taking a couple of stepsEncourage them to rest as much as necessaryGive them a space to express their thoughts, whether that's verbally or in a journalProvide a balanced dietAssist your loved one with light exercise regimens approved by their doctorSeek a mental health counselor to meet with your loved oneHearing that your loved one has sepsis is nothing short of terrifying. However, recovery is not as impossible as many think. With your caregiving and help from the team at BrightStar Care, your loved one may regain the ability to do most of their favorite activities. We focus on compassionate care for every client and their family, providing guidance and support every step of the way. Call today to learn more 303-300-6666.