Visiting Angels - Pueblo

The next time you visit an elderly parent or beloved senior, take a good look around their home for signs of clutter or untidiness.Are living conditions cramped?Is it difficult to move from room to room?Can you find open spaces to sit down or place your purse?Are countertops, sinks, and tables piled with dirty dishes and other items?Does the garage or basement appear to be a dumping ground?Are out-of-date medications and expired food items creating a mess?If so, your elderly loved one may have a hoarding problem.What is Hoarding and Its Effects on Seniors?Hoarding is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme clutter in a home that negatively impacts a persons quality of life. An individuals unwillingness or inability to discard items is also an indication.Seniors who hoard will offer many excuses to avoid throwing anything away even items they dont want or need. They may claim the clutter is due to sentimental value, a need for future use, or a great deal they got at a store or online.Hoarding may not seem dangerous, but it can cause major problems especially for vulnerable people such as seniors. The risks of hoarding include:Difficulty moving safely around the homeFire hazards, particularly in the kitchenUnsanitary living conditionsPoor nutrition or food poisoning from expired food and beveragesPoor medication complianceRefusal of help and increased social isolationInability of emergency responders to reach them in the event of an emergencyAlthough hoarding may be difficult to understand, there is often a rationale behind it. Many seniors become increasingly isolated with age and may begin to hoard things as a coping mechanism. Holding onto objects may remind them of better times. Sometimes, hoarding may give them a feeling of control over their environment as their physical or mental autonomy declines.Hoarding may also be related to cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimers disease, depression, or Diogenes syndrome.Addressing a Hoarding Situation With SeniorsHelping people with a hoarding disorder is a challenge, but it is not impossible. Here are some helpful suggestions for family members to consider when handling a hoarding issue:Assign a point personHaving one person take the lead when discussing hoarding behaviors can be very useful. Speak with the caregiving team and determine who your loved one is likely to listen to the most.Work together and offer choicesInstead of making all the decisions for an older adult, offer them choices to help them maintain a sense of control. For example, ask if they would prefer to clean the bedroom or kitchen first or if they want a deep cleaning to begin Monday or on the weekend?Control rashreactions and be compassionateControl your hasty reactions and respond gently when communicating with your senior. Let them know you care about their health, safety, and overall well-being.Take it slowDo not rush to clean a seniors home before they are ready unless there is immediate danger, such as visible tripping or fire hazards. Coming into a seniors home and cleaning against their wishes will not fix the problem and may exacerbate it through resentment.Cleaning Your Seniors HomeAfter there is a mutual agreement for the need to declutter the home, you may want to use the following strategies:Practice safety firstStart with the most dangerous areas. Remove any tripping or fire hazards as well as out-of-date medications, expired food, or toxic substances.Give them a sense of controlOffer the choice of what areas to target. It can be helpful to sort possessions into three bins: keep, donate, and throw away. You may want to repeat this process multiple times in the same room.Remove items immediatelyAfter an item is discarded, make sure to remove it from their residence as soon as possible. Items left in the trash or not removed from the home may be fished out and added back to the clutter.Celebrate victoriesRejoice each time you clear an area or room. Tell your loved one that progress has occurred and things are getting better.Set realistic goalsDecluttering a home may take a long time. As long as progress is steady, you are on the right track.Get a medical evaluation Have a physician or mental health professional evaluate your loved one as soon as possible. Compulsive hoarding could be caused by a neurological disorder or cognitive decline and may be a sign that medical help is needed.Professional Home Care Can Combat HoardingIf you need professional home care services to keep your seniors living space free of clutter, consider Visiting Angels. Our dedicatedcaregiverscan help maintain your loved ones home, keep it clean and safe, and provide a sense of social engagement that may decrease hoarding behaviors.

When it comes to elder care safety in a loved one's home, the bathroom deserves immediate attention.More than 230,000 Americans are injured in the bathroom each year, according to the most recent survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data shows that falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults leading to costly fractures, head injuries, and hospitalizations that can result in loss of independence and sometimes death.Some of the leading causes of slips and falls in the bathroom can occur from:Getting in and/or out of the shower/bathtubWet, slippery floorsBroken tilesPoor lightingBending for hard-to-reach areasStanding up or sitting down on a toiletTripping over bathmats, towels, or other objectsHow You Can Improve Bathroom SafetyHere are seven tips to help you optimize your loved ones bathroom to reduce the risk of accident or injury:Install Grab BarsGrab bars are an indispensable tool for senior bathroom safety. Grab bars perform two essential functions: First, they give your loved one something to grip when moving in and out of the tub or getting on and off the toilet. Second, in the case of a fall, grab bars will provide a secure place for your loved one to hold before falling. However, its important to install grab bars that are securely screwed into wall studs instead of the suction cup versions, which could pop off of the wall when under pressure.Install Non-Slip SurfacesMany falls are caused by slippery surfaces, such as tile or linoleum on the bathroom floor, or fiberglass or ceramic tub/shower surfaces. To prevent slips, consider installing non-slip surfaces on your loved ones bathroom floor, as well as in the tub or shower.Non-slip decals or mats should be applied to slippery surfaces especially those that can become even more slippery when wet. However, its important to keep an eye on these decals to make sure they dont loosen and create a tripping hazard.Improve AccessibilityMaking sure that commonly used items are within easy reach is essential for areas like bathrooms where the risk of slipping or falling is heightened.This is especially important in the shower/bathtub. Make sure that soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and any other bathing items are within easy reach.Remove Obstacles and ClutterBathroom safety can be improved by removing items that are easily tripped over. One of the biggest risks for the elderly is tripping over the side of their bathtub. Installing a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub can prevent this from occurring.Remove scatter rugs, which are easy to slip on or trip over. Remember to only use bathmats with a non-slip backing, and securely hang them up when not in use. Avoid keeping items such as trash cans, scales, and toilet brushes in high-traffic areas where they could cause a fall. Making sure that commonly used items are within easy reach is also essential especially in the shower/bathtub. Make sure that soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and any other bathing items are within easy reach and surfaces are free of unnecessary clutter.Reduce Risk of Over-ExertionOverexertion is the No. 2 most common cause of injuries in the bathroom, behind falls, according to the CDC study.Consider installing a secure bathing seat and a raised seat for your loved ones toilet, to help your loved one avoid over-exerting him or herself.Improve VisibilityFor many elderly people, frequent urination especially at night is a common complaint. By installing night lights that illuminate the walkway from the bedroom to the bathroom, you can reduce the chance of a fall or injury.Prevent Hot Water BurnsElderly people have thinner, more delicate skin and can take longer to notice hot temperatures.Because of this, they are often at increased risk of burns caused by hot water. Make sure your loved one's bathroom taps are labeled and keep hot water temperatures to a maximum of 120 F.Visiting Angels helps address falls risks through a Safe & Steady Fall Prevention that teaches seniors, families, and care providers how to make falls less likely by creating a safer home environment.Contact us today! Our home care coordinators are available to discuss your seniors needs via a free home care consultation.

Eldercare is typically considered the responsibility of a spouse or adult child for many families across the United States. While more millennials are becoming primary caregivers, the increasing role of adult grandchildren in caring for elderly relatives is often overlooked.But the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is extremely strong and can have a huge impact on the overall care and quality of life for seniors.Senior Home Care Tips for GrandchildrenGrandchildren of all ages from toddlers to teenagers can be an important part of a caregiver team. Here are a few suggestions for how grandchildren can assist with elder care at various ages and stages:Babies, infants, toddlers, and preschoolersAt first glance, it may seem there is no place for babies and infants in elder care. While children these young are unable to offer any direct caregiving support, there is still a role very young children can play.The elderly is at high risk for social isolation. Bringing a young child along when you care for mom and dad can instill joy in your parents lives and help improve their social and emotional health.Seniors who receive regular social interaction including engagement with young children show signs of better physical health, including healthier blood pressure, a decreased risk of disease, and delayed cognitive decline.Watching or supervising a young grandchild can be an excellent diversion for grandparents who need some limited supervision but are otherwise able-bodied and sound of mind. Ask mom and dad to take care of the baby or play with your preschooler while you manage some of your parents' needs in the background, such as cooking meals for the week, cleaning the home, sorting medications, or paying bills.Grade-schoolers and pre-teensChildren at this age can perform minor eldercare tasks. Grade-schoolers may be trusted to bring water to grandma or grandpa or fetch the TV remote or a pair of eyeglasses.Pre-teens can take on some more responsibility, but it should still be limited to simpler chores such as wheeling grandma or grandpa around, helping put on jackets, shoes, or sweaters, and assisting with phone calls or computer needs.Give your children time to bond with grandma and grandpa with more fun activities. Encourage them to exchange stories, watch movies, read books, and work on puzzles or play board games together.Teenagers and young adultsOlder grandchildren can begin to take on more caregiving responsibilities. Younger teenagers can be excellent sitters for grandparents who need minor non-medical assistance and supervision for short periods.Having something specific to do together, such as watching a movie, playing board games, or reading to each other, also helps grandparent-sitting go smoothly. Spending time together as grandchild and grandparent can be an excellent bonding experience and give parents a well-deserved break.As teenagers grow into young adults, they can take grandma or grandpa on a walk, keep them company on errands, or go out for a drive together. Older and more responsible grandchildren can escort their grandparents to a doctor's appointment, help with medication reminders, and even assist with mobility, grooming, or toileting needs. Young adults especially those whose parents are deceased may also decide to hire professional in-home care support when needed for their grandparents.Grandchildren Can Be an Asset in Senior CareGrandchildren have the potential to be an asset, not a liability, in senior care. Their very presence can have a positive impact on your parents mental and physical health. When grandchildren become older, they can take on increased caregiving responsibilities and provide additional physical and emotional support.

If your family is in the process of deciding whether your loved one would be better off in a nursing home or with care at home, wed like to help. At Visiting Angels Pueblo, weve been providing caring and compassionate home care services to aging adults in the Penrose area for over 20 years. We have helped countless families navigate this stage of life with grace, dignity, and peace of mind.Our care services offers many benefits as opposed to placement in a nursing home, including:Affordability. Unlike nursing home care, our services are targeted and customized, allowing you to adjust according to your needs and budget. You wont be stuck paying for packaged services your loved one doesnt need and wont use.Constancy. The ability to stay in familiar surroundings is the number one reason our loved ones want to stay home or with family. The constancy of our own environment is comforting and soothing. Constancy is often the most compelling benefit of choosing home care services over nursing home care in the Penrose area.Customization & Personalization. Our in-home care is always customized and personalized to each individual client. We also take tremendous care to match your loved one with a caregiver who complements their personality and temperament.Quality of Life. Seniors who have the benefit of home care versus nursing home care generally demonstrate better health outcomes and less anxiety and depression. Combined with the ability to maintain some degree of control over their environment, your loved one can enjoy a greater quality of life.Safety & Peace of Mind. Our customized home care services can actually provide a higher degree of safety for your loved one in the Penrose area. A carefully coordinated care schedule can offer more frequent one-on-one attention and a higher quality of monitoring. Our team will be available to speak with your loved one 24/7, should any unforeseen issue arise. Our friendly administrator will also check in with them frequently to ensure their continued satisfaction with their services.Your familys individual circumstances are obviously unique. At Visiting Angels Pueblo, we offer a 100% free, in-home care consultation. We will meet with you and your loved one in their Penrose area home to thoroughly assess your needs and answer all your questions. Well make a customized recommendation for home care services for your loved one, and we will also conduct a free fall-risk assessment.Available Home Care Services in PenroseAt Visiting Angels Pueblo, we can assist with a myriad of tasks and services, including:Bathing, dressing, and walkingLight housekeepingCustom meal preparationMedication reminders and organizationErrandsUpbeat companionship and empathetic listening Flexible hours of availabilityShort or long-term home careWeekend & holiday availabilityRespite careAt Visiting Angels Pueblo, we are sincerely honored to provide our home care services to aging adults in the following nearby locations:PenrosePuebloCaon CityTrinidadLa JuntaLamarPueblo WestWalsenburgAnd the surrounding communitySchedule Your Free Care ConsultationIf youd like more information about our home care services in Penrose, or to go ahead and schedule an appointment for your free care consultation, please reach out to Visiting Angels Pueblo today 719-543-4220!

Anger is a normal human emotion in all of us, but Alzheimers disease and dementia can dramatically exacerbate anger issues in seniors. You may have recently been on the other end of a traumatic verbal or physical outburst from someone with dementia. You may have been confused or upset and didnt know how to handle the situation.The first step is understanding the root cause of these intense feelings so you can respond effectively and resolve the situation compassionately.Common Anger Triggers in People With Alzheimers and DementiaAlthough aggressive behavior may seem spontaneous, there is often a legitimate reason or multiple motives. Anger from Alzheimers and dementia is often related to the following triggers:PhysicalYour loved one may be angry due to pain, discomfort, soreness, dizziness, nausea, or exhaustion or they may become frustrated by the inability to do simple physical tasks. If you observe a loved one getting angry more frequently or showing signs of discomfort, schedule a visit with their doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.EmotionalOverstimulation is a common cause of anger and aggression in people with Alzheimers or dementia. A loud environment, background noise from a TV or radio, or even too much conversation can cause a person with dementia or Alzheimers to become angry. Feelings of loss, loneliness, sadness, or boredom can also trigger emotions.MentalConfusion is one of the leading causes of anger and aggression in people with Alzheimers and dementia. Confusion can arise from a lost train of thought, going to a new place, meeting new people, mixed-up memories, too many choices, or a sudden change in the environment, such as a shift from one caregiver to another.7 Strategies for Handling Anger and DementiaThe more you can understand your loved ones triggers, the easier to predict and manage anger outbursts. However, it isnt possible to avoid every outburst, so you need to be prepared when it happens.Here are seven strategies you can use:Dont take it personallyWhen your loved one lashes out, it can hurt emotionally and sometimes physically. It may help to remember your loved one isnt being hurtful on purpose; their condition is responsible for the outbursts.Solve the problemIf you can determine the cause of your loved ones distress, it may be possible to alleviate or solve the issue. You can stop an angry outburst from worsening and often help them feel calmer.Avoid physical contactNEVER react to violence with force unless your safety or someone elses safety is threatened. Taking physical control of someone with Alzheimers or dementia may make them angrier and more aggressive.Remain calmAlthough it may be difficult, use a calm tone of voice and avoid outward displays of distress, anger, or fear. If you show your loved one you are angry or upset, their anguish and agitation may worsen.Step away from the situationIf possible, remove yourself from the room or situation. Give yourself and your loved one time to calm down. This will make it easier for you to react appropriately and may defuse or dispel their anger.Be kind and reassuring at all timesDo not argue. Instead, be sympathetic and accepting of their anger and frustration.Dont punishIts important to remember that people with Alzheimers, dementia, and other memory disorders should not be punished or chastised for anger or aggressive outbursts. This is one of the most common mistakes loved ones and untrained caregivers make. In addition to living with a condition they cannot control, your loved one may not understand why they are being punished or reprimanded and may even forget the outburst happened.Alzheimers or Dementia Support is AvailableWhen caring for a loved one with Alzheimers and dementia, taking time to care for yourself is crucial. If you are feeling burned out, stressed, anxious or upset, your loved one will be able to sense your distress, which could increase the risk of angry outbursts.Visiting Angels can be invaluable if you need support in caring for your loved one. Many Visiting Angels caregivers have personal and professional experience in Alzheimers and dementia care and can provide respite care that fits your schedule.

One of the best ways seniors can improve their health and well-being is through regular exercise at the appropriate intensity. But for seniors who are bedbound, an exercise routine may seem impossible.Bed exercises can come in handy.Seniors or others with severe mobility limitations can perform these simple exercises from the comforts of bed.Bed exercises provide many health benefits, including:Cognitive and mood enhancementsA more robust immune systemWeight managementMuscle massFlexibilityPrevention of bedsoresManage or prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseaseTypes of Bed Exercises for SeniorsMany types of bed exercises with or without light weights or resistance bands are available for seniors that target various parts of the body. Some popular ones include:Overhead shoulder flexion(shoulder flexibility)Lie on your back and keep your legs straight. Hold your hands together or hold a light object such as a pillow, and place your hands on top of your abdomen. Keep your stomach tight and slowly raise your hands over your head or as far as they will go. Hold for 30 seconds. Return your hands to their starting position. Make sure your elbows are straight and your back is flat.Knee-to-chest lift(lower body flexibility)Lying flat on your back, bring one knee up to your chest. Use your hands to gently pull your knee closer to your chest until you feel a stretching sensation. Hold for 30 seconds and return your leg to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.Straight leg lift(leg and core strength)Lie flat on your back with one leg straight and the other knee bent with your foot on the mattress. Keep your stomach tight and lift the straight leg six to eight inches above the mattress, then return it to its starting position. Repeat with the other leg.Neck stretches(neck flexibility)Lie flat on your back, keeping your shoulders steady. Bring your left ear towards your left shoulder until you feel a stretching sensation in your neck for 30 seconds. You may choose to use your hand to gently hold the side of your head in place for an additional stretch. Return to a neutral position and repeat on the other side.Hand exercises(grip strength)Hold a soft object, such as a pillow or exercise putty. Squeeze firmly for 10 to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat.Supine marches(core strength)Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet on the mattress. Keep your fingertips resting on your pelvis and tighten your stomach. Lift one knee towards your chest about one or two inches, and then relax. Repeat with the other leg.Lower trunk rotation(flexibility and ability to turn over in bed)Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet on the mattress. Keep your back straight. Slowly bring both knees down and to the left as far as you can (like youre trying to touch the mattress). Return to a neutral position and repeat toward the other side.Bridge(core strength and ability to turn over in bed)Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet on the mattress. Tighten your stomach, squeeze your buttocks together, and then lift your hips as high as they can go. This may take your back off the mattress and require you to support some of your weight with your arms and shoulders. Hold for a few seconds, and then lower. Repeat.Bed Exercise SafetySeniors should perform bed exercises and all exercises at the appropriate intensity. Ask a doctor which ones are the best for your senior and how often they should exercise. The doctor may even suggest you work with a physical therapist.Bed exercises shouldnt be painful. If your senior complains of any pain, stop them from exercising and consult a doctor.Home Care Can Help Seniors ExerciseBedbound seniors may need encouragement or assistance from family members, friends, or a professional caregiver. A Visiting Angels senior care provider can encourage seniors to achieve their exercise goals and ensure their safety and comfort while exercising.