Visiting Angels

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, says there are four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. There should be a fifth on the list: Those who dont realize they have begun the caregiver journey and their ranks are growing daily.They are helping Mom balance her checkbook, phoning Dad every morning to make sure he takes his cholesterol-lowering, diabetes, and arthritis medications, picking up groceries for a disabled neighbor all sorts of things. They dont self-identify as caregivers because they are just being a good daughter or son or neighbor, says, Amy Goyer, AARPs caregiving expert and author of the recently published Juggling Work & Caregiving.Why is it important to self-identify?Because the earlier you realize you have begun the caregiver journey, the earlier youll understand the emotional weariness you may be experiencing and start looking for ways to manage it.It [the weariness] encompasses a surprising range of feelings, says Goyer, who is caring for her 90-year-old father, and if you dont recognize whats happening and why, youll just end up feeling guilty about your feelingsAnd guilt is a really useless feeling.Recognizing the symptomsEarly on, symptoms of emotional fatigue tend to come and go; and they tend to overlap, too, so people need to identify them right off the bat so they can take care of their emotional health and other needs, says Jo McCord, a senior caregiver consultant at San Francisco-based Family Caregiver Alliance Initially, symptoms are insidious, but usually include:Waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop nervousness or tensionSituational bouts of sadness, the blues or tearing-upForgetfulness, inability to concentrate and/or mental sluggishnessIntermittent feelings of frustration, anger or guilt due to interruptions and not being able to get things doneSporadic, and often situational, feelings of resentment, impatience, and/or irritability at colleagues, family members or the person you are just helpingPoor or interrupted sleepA looming feeling of isolationA growing realization of the sacrifices time, money, opportunities, etc. you are experiencingAn increase in aches, pains and, not surprisingly, blood pressure(Note: Recent research indicates this is worse for women than men.)Five steps to better emotional healthIf you have just begun the caregiver journey, and are experiencing the above symptoms, the following strategies will help you identify the new role you have taken on and help you manage the emotional stressors that can come early in the caregiver journey.Put a name on what you are doing. Caregiving isnt just helping out, its taking on responsibility for the well-being of another person. The quicker a person self-identifies as a caregiver, the quicker theyll be able to recognize and deal with the emotional roller-coaster [symptoms] that can come as caregiver responsibilities increase, says McCord.Listen to what your emotions are telling you. Those feelings [see above] are normal responses to caregivingRealizing that that you are experiencing what everyone else is experiencing will go a long way toward helping you take action for your own well-being and not react to them in a negative way, says Jody Gastfriend, LICSW, the VP of Senior Care Services at Care.com, an online resource connecting families and caregivers.Embrace change. Early on, people need to understand that the keys to being a successful caregiver are flexibility and adaptability on the journey, says Goyer.Let go. Most of whats causing [feelings of emotional fatigue] is out of the caregivers control, so early on, caregivers need to recognize their limitations and give themselves permission to let go of or delegate some of the responsibilities they have taken on, says Gastfriend. When they do that, she adds, they can get the replenishment they need to continue replenishing others.Get help. A recent study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry shows that, even at the earliest stages of caregiving, caregivers experience increased feelings of well-being when they seek help.But, cautions McCord, every caregivers situation is different so the options that are going to help them have to be individualized.To find those individualized options, tap into the wide array of home-based services and community programs and supports that are available, no matter where you live. Some are paid for on an hourly or daily basis; some are provided for a small or sliding fee; some are free.Perhaps the fastest way to find the ones you want, will use and can afford is to check with the HR department where you work. More and more companies have recognized that their employees are also caregivers and use consultants to help them deal with caregiver issues, says Gastfriend.But you can find a consultant on your own, too, by contacting local care managers, social service agencies, and/or national agencies, such as the Aging Life Care Association. The caregiving expertise and knowledge of community resources these professionals can provide will help you prioritize your needs and help you locate the services, agencies and organizations that can provide the help you need to manage the emotional stress that comes with caregiving.This can be an expensive option, but theyll be doing a lot of the heavy lifting for youand often you only need a couple of consulting sessions to get things moving in the right direction, advises McCord.To find information on your own, start with your local Area Agency on Agings Family Caregiver Support Program and then widen your search net to include county or municipal offices on aging/disability, disease specific organizations (many publish excellent caregiver resource lists and guides), religiously-affiliated service groups, reputable caregiver Web sites and/or help lines, including those provided by Elder Locator (1-800-677-1116) and Family Caregiver Alliance (1-800-445-8106).Probably the most overlooked options for help, however, are support groups. Connecting with others who get what you are experiencing gives you a safe place to talk about your feelings and hear about the options the practical things, the strategies and tips you can use to cope with your emotional stress. And they can help you deal with isolation, too, says Goyer.But, stresses McCord, You wont even think about it [joining a support group] unless you identify as a caregiver.

Having a kind and nurturing personality is part of the job description as a caregiver. After all, tending to a senior or disabled person involves spending long days and nights together. Caregivers form a bond with their patients, and often experience a rollercoaster of emotions while assisting them, especially if their client has a progressive disease. That leaves the question: when do empathy and compassion cross into unhealthy territory?Tips for Ethical Senior Home CareCompassion fatigue is a very real concern for those in professions that deal with other peoples trauma. According to WebMD, symptoms of the condition include mood swings, detachment from others, addiction, depression and anxiety, and insomnia. Its important for caregivers to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in order to maintain the highest level of care for their patient, as well as protect their own mental health. Here are some guidelines for maintaining professionalism in the workplace as a home caregiver.Establish BoundariesBoundaries are essential in any work environment, but especially in caregiving, where so much of the job involves being the elderly persons companion. Caregivers must remember that while they are allowed to be their patients friend, their main priority is performing the duties of their role. Separation between their work and home life has to exist. Maintain CommunicationCaregivers are human beings, not superheroes. While they can typically handle their assigned tasks, everyone has a limit. Caregivers should have regular check-ins with their patients family about how much they can take on. This also creates an opportunity for family members to help support the caregiver. Practice Self CareCaregivers must meet their own needs in order to do their job well. That means eating healthy meals, having a regular exercise routine, and getting plenty of rest. When not working, they should try to socialize with friends and engage in hobbies. Activities like journaling can also be helpful for stress reduction. Get HelpSometimes the stress of caregiving can become too much to handle on your own. Thats when caregivers should seek out professional advice, from a counselor or family doctor. Talking to other caregiver friends and colleagues can also be helpful in these circumstances. A strong support network is key to dealing with the ups and downs of the job. Visiting Angels Loveland Supports Our CaregiversAt Visiting Angels Loveland, we understand that caregivers must have a work-life balance. We support our team members with perks that include insurance, paid time off, wage increases, paid mentoring opportunities, 401K matching, referral bonuses, and a supportive staff that helps caregivers achieve their career goals.Visiting Angels has been recognized as one of the top homecare providers to work for. If youre interested in a career as a home caregiver, check out our available job opportunities today. If you are seeking professional in-home care for your senior loved one, consider Visiting Angels Loveland. For more information on our services, reach out via our contact form or call us at 970-292-5668 today.

Transitioning from working in a facility to home care requires a significant shift in mindset, skills, and perspective. While most caregivers in facility care are equipped to manage different caregiving scenarios, the challenges that come with home care are unique. Here are the essential things professional caregivers and home care providers need to consider when transitioning from facility care to home care.The Importance of Adjusting to a New EnvironmentWorking in home care means transitioning from a structured environment to one where you have little control over your surroundings. Therefore, caregivers must learn to work around their client's needs and preferences. For example, if the home has areas that are difficult to access, caregivers may need to find ways to maneuver around obstacles safely. Or, if there are certain things in the home you are unfamiliar with, be sure to ask questions and get familiar with the environment.Each home you visit will be different, so take the time to get acquainted with the client's home and personalize your approach. Gaining an Understanding of the Client's Specific NeedsWhen transitioning from facility to home care, you will work with clients more intimately. Therefore, you must work to understand their specific needs and provide tailored care accordingly. Before beginning any new assignment, read through the client's care plan, get familiar with their medical history, and learn about any dietary or mobility restrictions. In addition, you will need to gain a better understanding of the client's social and emotional needs.Compared to working at a facility, this type of intimate care requires extra attentiveness and understanding, as you're the only person your client has to rely on.Preparing for Caregiving AloneCaregivers that offer in-home care often do not work in teams. They might be on call 24/7, which can feel overwhelming at times. When transitioning to home care, it is important to understand the protocol if you get stuck or unsure about something. Caregivers must be independent, conscientious, and able to make clear-headed decisions during emergencies.Furthermore, being independent means keeping thorough records and documenting your caregiving experience. Stay organized with paperwork, medications, and any other essential documents and details.Continuous Learning and DevelopmentTransitioning from facility care to home care requires home care providers to invest in their personal development to meet the specialized needs of their clients. Home care is not one-size-fits-all, and each case is unique. Caregivers must stay proactive about developing new skills, problem-solving, and staying up-to-date with changing best practices. Remaining informed about medical conditions, medications, and new trends in home care can lead to higher caregiver performance and improved care.Final ThoughtsBeing flexible and resourceful, staying informed of client needs, and building positive relationships with clients and their families is crucial as a home care provider. Caregivers can make this transition successfully and provide exceptional client care if they plan ahead, ask questions, and remain open to learning. In the end, transitioning from facility care to home care can be an extremely gratifying experience that allows you to have a more hands-on approach. It also offers caregivers the opportunity to build strong relationships with their clients and make a positive impact on their lives. At Visiting Angels Loveland, CO, our home care providers assist our clients with the highest level of care. If you want to join the Visiting Angels team, apply online today or call 970-292-5668.

Aging in place is defined as the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level."For many elderly individuals, the ability to continue living at home as they age is essential to their emotional health and well-being. Unfortunately, as we age, it often becomes increasing difficult to remain in the homes we love. How we can we help our elderly family members to age in place?For both the individual and their family, aging in place is often the preferred solution. While aging in place can offer cost savings and flexibility over nursing homes or retirement centers, beyond that it offers emotional benefits that are truly priceless. Helping our family members to age in place should be a top priority. There are many ways to assist your loved one so they can remain comfortable, safe and independent in the home they love.One of the most common ways families make it possible to age in place is to make modifications to the home itself. As we age, we often require assistance to get around and accomplish once easy tasks. The addition of such things as grab bars in the bathroom and stair lifts can eliminate obstacles from the home. There are many companies that specialize in installing equipment that makes the home safe and more accessible for the elderly. Ramps, elimination of thresholds, widening doorways, installing rocker switches, and bright lighting can all make it easier for your loved one to continue living at home.If your elderly relative wants to continue living at home, but needs assistance with daily tasks, non-medical homecare agencies can provide the help they need. These services provide the assistance many individuals need to make independent living possible. These agencies can assist with a variety of tasks ranging from light housekeeping, meal preparation, and hygiene assistance to medication reminders and help running errands.Our caregivers work closely with families making it possible for elderly individuals to continue living independently. We provide the additional assistance individuals require so they can enjoy a full and robust life. Living at home and keeping a regular schedule of activities keeps you happy and healthy. Our elderly companion care services make aging in place possible, says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels.The key to successfully aging in place is to have honest and open discussions among family members. What are your parents goals? Do they want to remain at home? Do they want to move to a smaller home? Do they want to move to a senior center where activities are provided? If they remain at home, will you be able to meet their additional needs? Will they benefit from the assistance of a non-medical homecare agency?Having an honest discussion about your family members goals, dreams and desires makes it possible to map out a plan for the future. For additional information on aging in place, the National Aging in Place Council can provide a variety of resources for your family.

Learn how our senior caregivers are helping seniors in Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor and surrounding areas in Colorado stay safe by encouraging them to incorporate healthy habits into their everyday routine.As confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aging adults and those with various chronic conditions are at a higher risk of developing medical complications from the novel coronavirus.Now more than ever, it is of vital importance that we help seniors in our community to stay healthy and safe during self-isolation by taking all necessary steps to strengthen their immunity. At Visiting Angels Loveland, were committed to helping seniors throughout Colorados Northern Front Range stay safe during this difficult time. Our senior caregivers are encouraging clients to incorporate simple changes to their everyday routine that can help them stay healthy and boost their immune system. When you choose Visiting Angels Loveland as your partner in home care, you can have peace of mind that your loved one is in safe hands.The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Routine for Seniors in Loveland and Surrounding AreasBy adhering to a healthy at-home routine, your loved one can improve their overall health. The routine itself does not have to be complicated. You can encourage your mom or dad to simply focus on:Getting a good nights sleep  While some seniors can develop different sleep patterns in their golden years, the majority of older adults need around 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, just like younger adults. Our senior caregivers can help your loved one stick to a healthy nighttime regimen and prepare for bed.Eating healthy  By eating a well-balanced diet, your loved one can keep their immune system strong. At Visiting Angels Loveland, our senior caregivers can go grocery shopping and prepare nutritious meals for your parent.Exercising regularly  Right now, staying physically active is especially important for seniors as they need to spend most of their time at home. Home care experts from Visiting Angels Loveland can assist Mom or Dad with exercises suitable for a home setting. This can include anything from stretching and low-impact weightlifting to floor exercises.Keeping tabs on medication and fluid intake  If needed, our expert senior caregivers can offer medication reminders and make sure your loved one drinks sufficient amounts of water to stay well-hydrated.Handwashing  To avoid the risk of COVID-19, the CDC recommends washing hands frequently, especially after nose blowing, coughing, or sneezing.Improve Health by Reducing StressAs the pandemic progresses, more and more people are feeling anxious and stressed. Needless to say, this constant buildup of stress can have negative effects on the overall health of people, seniors in particular.Here is how your loved one can reduce their stress levels:Connecting with loved ones through Skype, FaceTime or social mediaTaking an occasional break from the news about the pandemicTaking better care of their body through a senior-friendly exercise regimen and healthy dietFocusing on favorite activities and relaxing as much as possibleShould your loved one happen to feel overwhelmed at times, plenty of resources are available for those in need of support, advice or guidance. For example, senior loved ones can opt to reach out to a therapist and participate in online sessions or they can get in touch with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSAs) Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.Call our Loveland, CO office today to learn more about how our senior caregivers can help your loved one remain safe and healthy during the pandemic. We are happy to be your partners in home care!

When it comes to being a professional caregiver, there are many different qualities and tasks that need to be taken into consideration. Professional caregivers are responsible for providing physical, emotional, and social support to individuals needing assistance. In addition, by helping with tasks around the house like laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, and providing companionship, professional caregivers can ensure that those in need live a safe and comfortable lifestyle. But what does it mean to be a professional caregiver besides providing care and support? Being Dependable and ResponsibleAbove all else, being a professional caregiver means being dependable and responsible in providing quality care. Families and their senior loved ones rely on caregivers to provide quality care, so all tasks must be completed promptly and responsibly. This means being on time for shifts, completing all tasks assigned, and ensuring that the highest standards of care are met. Bringing Positivity to Families in NeedWhen you take on the role of a professional caregiver, youre also responsible for bringing positivity and cheer to those in need. A positive attitude can help seniors feel more comfortable and may be just what their families need to feel comfortable relinquishing control of a loved ones care. In addition, providing cheerful and compassionate companionship can be essential for those who do not have regular visitors or family members around. Professional caregivers should be prepared to offer support and comfort to those in need, whether that means listening, motivating seniors to stay active, or assisting with everyday tasks. Developing Relationships with ClientsWhen you become a home care provider, your duties go beyond helping around the house. You must also develop strong relationships with your clients to be effective at your job. For example, if youre assisting a client with Alzheimers, it may take some time to build trust and create an environment of comfort and safety. Or, if youre caring for a client with mobility issues, youll need to be able to recognize the signs of pain or discomfort so that you can provide adequate support. Ways that professional caregivers can strengthen relationships with clients include:Demonstrating compassion and respectListening without judgmentOffering support and encouragementRemembering important dates or milestonesMaking time to talk with clientsIn some cases, you may be the only person an aging adult interacts with on a regular basis. Therefore, professional caregivers must take the time to get to know their clients and build meaningful relationships. Final ThoughtsProfessional caregiving means so much more than just providing physical care. In essence, youre becoming a constant and supportive presence in the lives of those who need your help. This role requires a dedicated and compassionate approach and an understanding of building relationships with clients and families. At the end of the day, professional caregivers are responsible for providing quality care that helps seniors and their families relieve the burden of managing daily life. By offering services that allow seniors to age in place and remain independent, caregivers can significantly impact the lives of many aging adults. Visiting Angels in Loveland, CO, is here to support you in your professional caregiving journey. Contact us today by calling 970-292-5668 for more information about how you can become a home care provider, or apply online today.

Are you an informal or family caregiver for an elderly person? If you are, you are not alone. Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point during their lives. Each year more than 44 million Americans (21% of the adult population) provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled person 18 years or older. This is significant! It represents 80 percent of all long-term care in the United States. Most caregivers are middle-aged or older women who have jobs outside of caring for an elderly person. Most of these women have changed hours or working conditions in order to care for their elderly family member. Sound stressful? It is.Ways to Reduce Caregiver StressFocus on the rewards of care giving, and giving back to a loved one. Being a caregiver strengthens your relationship with the person receiving care and makes you feel needed, boosting your self-confidence. Talk to a counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional right away if your stress leads you to physically or emotionally harm the person you are caring for.Find out how to deal with your loved ones disease. Do research with doctors, nurses, on websites, and at the library. The more information you have, the easier it will be to prepare for issues that arise.If you do find that you are under stress from caring for your loved one, try these stress reducing tips: Get help from community care giving service providers for:Transportation, meal delivery, home modification, legal servicesand financial counseling Accept help from friends and family this includes financial help. Say "no" to volunteer tasks, such as hosting holiday meals. Do the best you can and don't feel guilty about not being perfect. Prioritize your tasks and establish a daily routine. Stay in touch with family and friends. Join a support group for caregivers facing the same condition or disease. Try to keep your sense of humor. Check with the human resource office at your job. Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for relatives. When you need a break (and you will), give a professional home care service, like Visiting Angels, a call. They will come to your loved ones home and perform any number of household chores, personal grooming chores, and provide companionship for your loved one for a very affordable fee.Visiting Angels is owned and operated by a local couple who have been offering their services in Northern Colorado since 2005. Call them for more information at 970-292-5668.Article submitted by Tandi Dawson, Director-Visiting Angels

Caring for the elderly or ill can be a rewarding career. It allows you to aid those in need and provide comfort and support to those who may not have family or friends nearby. However, there are also other benefits that come with working in this field that you may not have considered. Let's explore why you should consider a caregiving career. Job Security Caregivers are always in demand because there will always be people needing assistance and support. In addition, more people are living longer than ever before, so the aging population is increasing, which means more jobs for caregivers. In fact, the AARP predicts that older people will make up about 20% of the U.S. population by 2050And as medical advances continue, more seniors will stay at home rather than go into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This provides an even greater need for home care providers since their services allow them to remain independent and age in place. With home care services, they can receive the one-on-one attention they need, but in the comfort of their own homes.Working with Like-Minded PeopleCaregiver jobs often involve working with like-minded professionals who are equally passionate about their work. The best caregivers have empathy and compassion for those they work with, and they want to help those in need. Working with people with similar values and beliefs can help you further develop your skills and network in the field.Additionally, your clients will provide unique and fulfilling experiences you can learn from to grow.Developing and Learning SkillsFor those wanting to work in the medical field, starting as a caregiver is a great way to gain experience and knowledge. You'll learn the basics of client care and develop skills such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Many of these skills are transferable to other jobs in healthcare and can help you advance your career. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about medical terminology and other important aspects of healthcare to understand the field better.A Sense of Personal SatisfactionOne of the most rewarding aspects of being a caregiver is developing a stronger sense of self. Providing care and companionship can be incredibly fulfilling, and it's an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. In addition, you get to see first-hand how your hard work pays off as your clients lead better lives. Feeling a sense of purpose can also boost confidence and help you regulate your emotions. Plus, knowing that you are making a difference can be an incredibly powerful and gratifying experience. ConclusionIf you're considering a career change or are looking for an exciting new opportunity, consider a caregiving career. You'll get to work with like-minded people, gain a sense of personal satisfaction and enjoy job security in an ever-growing field. Plus, you'll get to make a difference in the lives of the clients you interact with.At Visiting Angels Loveland, CO, we're proud to offer top-notch caregiving services that provide our clients with the support they need to remain independent. If you're interested in becoming a professional caregiver, reach out online today.

Because of declining physical and mental abilities, many older adults are at high risk for loneliness and social isolation. As such, its essential for seniors to spend time with friends and family.But what if your loved ones live out of state or across the country? Thats where companion caregivers can help. These compassionate individuals provide socialization to seniors, alleviating feelings of isolation and loneliness.But what exactly is a companion caregiver, and what are their responsibilities? Keep reading to learn more. What Is a Companion Caregiver? A companion caregiver provides non-medical services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Their primary goal is to offer clients emotional support and mental stimulation.What Do Companion Caregivers Do? While companion caregivers help seniors feel less lonely by conversing with them or engaging in their favorite activities, these professionals can also assist with:Medication remindersLight housekeeping, like washing the dishes, vacuuming, or doing the laundryTransportation and help running errandsMeal planning and preparationOvernight monitoring and assistanceCommunicating with the clients care team about unusual physical or behavioral changesVisiting Angels Loveland, CO, companion caregivers provide the assistance and support you or your loved one needs to live a happy and independent life. Benefits of Hiring a Companion Caregiver Hiring a Visiting Angels companion caregiver comes with many valuable benefits, including:Emotional support: Many older adults can experience loneliness and isolation while aging in place. A companion caregiver can reduce these feelings by providing the emotional and social support you or your loved one needs. Companion caregivers are always happy to go on walks, play board games, cook, or chat about your day.Help with household tasks: Seniors can struggle to complete household chores due to decreased mobility and chronic health conditions. Companion caregivers can help older adults keep their homes clean and safe by performing light household tasks, like laundry and dusting.Transportation: Are you afraid to drive or cannot because of a health condition? A companion caregiver can drive you to doctors appointments, church, and social events. Reliable and safe transportation can give you instant peace of mind.Enriching activities: Mental and physical activities help seniors maintainand improvetheir health. A companion caregiver is the perfect person to play games with or accompany you on walks. These enriching activities add meaning to your day.Safety and security: A companion caregiver can alert healthcare professionals or family members about sudden changes in a clients mood, behavior, or health. This ensures theyll get the assistance they need right away. Is a Companion Caregiver Right for You? For decades, Visiting Angels has provided award-winning caregiving services to seniors nationwide. Our Loveland, CO, branch proudly serves the residents of Windsor, Greeley, Fort Collins, and the surrounding areas.We create custom-tailored care plans for each client, ensuring their needs, desires, and preferences are met. Our mission is to help older adults live comfortably while maintaining their independence at home. To learn more, contact us today by calling 970-292-5668.

The aftermath of a stroke can be devastating and present many challenges that require specialized personal care and dedicated attention for senior patients. If a stroke has significantly impaired your loved ones physical ability and emotional well-being, you may be worried and frightened about the road ahead.Professional stroke home care can be a beacon of hope.Visiting Angels experienced caregivers will help your senior safely age in place after a stroke in the comfort of home. Your loved one will receive a non-medical customized home care plan to assist them with their daily routines and activities. Visiting Angels care providers will then foster ongoing companionship and one-to-one support on your seniors road to recovery.Professional Help at Home After a StrokeEvery year, nearly 800,000 U.S. adults experience a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many endure reduced mobility that affects their safety and independence at home.Like many primary caregivers tending to a stroke survivor, you may doubt whether you can provide the best care especially while balancing work, personal, and family obligations.With the help of Visiting Angels, you dont have to provide home care alone.Visiting Angels understands the impact of stroke and can deliver personalized care that addresses your loved ones limitations. Here are some common stroke after-affects your senior may be experiencing and how Visiting Angels can help:Cognitive difficultiesVisiting Angels can implement exercises, games, and routines to enhance your seniors memory, problem-solving, communication, and cognitive skills. Caregivers will provide emotional support and encouragement, creating a conducive environment that promotes cognitive rehabilitation and overall well-being.Difficulty swallowingIf your senior has swallowing problems, Visiting Angels will assist in preparing tailored meals and ensuring safe consumption. Caregivers will provide reminders about taking medications, performing therapeutic exercises, and attending appointments. Caregivers can also monitor your senior for signs of choking or increased difficulty swallowing.Mood changesVisiting Angels provides camaraderie and companion care that can help your older adult cope with feelings of frustration, sadness, depression, and isolation that may arise during their recovery.Reduced mobilityVisiting Angels will be by your loved ones side to reduce the risk of falls, assist with transfers, and help your older adult navigate the stairs, bathroom, and other high-fall-risk areas of the home.Speech and communication challengesVisiting Angels will get to know your loved one and understand their preferences, needs, and cues even if they have a limited ability to speak or understand. Caregivers will also remind them to perform therapeutic speech exercises, if needed.Vision concernsVisiting Angels will make recommendations to improve household safety and quality of life for your senior with reduced vision  such as adding light, marking areas that could cause accidents, adapting activities for low-vision needs, running errands, and providing transportation.Choose Visiting Angels for Home Care Stroke AssistanceIf your senior has a stroke, they are at a higher risk of having a second one. Survival chances and positive treatment outcomes increase when stroke symptoms are identified and treated early. An in-home professional caregiver from Visiting Angels by your loved ones side can monitor for stroke signs and request immediate life-saving emergency assistance.Visiting Angels also provides a Ready, Set, Go Home program that helps seniors successfully transition to home following a hospitalization, including after a stroke. The program includes home visits to identify and reduce the risk of preventable events or mishaps that could cause a return to the hospital or emergency room. Visiting Angels caregivers can also visit your senior in the hospital or rehab facility and have a plan in place before discharge to ensure you have peace of mind.Surviving a stroke doesnt mean your loved one has to give up their independence or move away from the home they love. Learn how Visiting Angels can help your senior age in place after a stroke through a free home care consultation.

If youre considering a new career as a professional caregiver, there are a few skills youll want to ensure you have for a successful transition into your new job. Like many other jobs, caregiving requires a unique mix of soft and hard skills. Some of these skills you may have developed in previous jobs, while you may need to work on other skills. Whatever your situation, understanding your skillset is the first step to becoming a successful professional caregiver. Soft Caregiving SkillsSoft skills are intangible qualities that highlight a caregivers behavior and cognitive abilities. Soft skills are often more essential before starting your caregiving career because theyre difficult to teach. However, just because you dont excel at a soft skill doesnt mean you cant still develop it. A few soft skills that are helpful with caregiving include:Problem-SolvingProblem-solving is about your ability to think through obstacles to find the most efficient and effective solution. Youll quickly learn that caregiving comes with a lot of unpredictability, so its essential for you to feel comfortable in challenging situations and know how to make intelligent decisions under pressure without too much guidance from others.CommunicationCommunication is how well you can communicate thoughts to another person, whether verbally or in writing. Good communication skills contribute to building trust with clients. And when clients trust their caregivers, it makes it easier to do your job. Communication skills are also essential for relaying information to your colleagues. If you cant cover a shift, youll want the covering caregiver to understand your clients care plan. You must also communicate complications, concerns, or questions with coworkers if and when you have them. EmpathyEmpathy refers to your ability to view a situation from another persons perspective. Aging is challenging; some clients may face difficulties you havent experienced. Having empathy helps you relate to clients and allows you to show compassion and kindness. Empathy also translates to respect, showing clients you understand when difficult situations are complex, but youre there to help them. Hard Caregiving Skills Hard skills are technical skills caregivers need for the job. These skills are nice to have before starting as a caregiver, but youll also learn many of these skills on the job. Essential hard caregiving skills include:Driving- You may have to provide transportation to appointments or help run errands. Personal grooming- Youll have to know how to help someone shower, use the toilet, dress, and groom themselves. Mobility assistance- Knowing how to assist someone safely with their movements is vital.Laundry/vacuuming/housekeeping: Its helpful to have general housekeeping skills as this is one of the most commonly requested services. Your Next Steps with Visiting Angels Visiting Angels is nationally recognized as a top in-home senior care provider because of its dedication to caring for clients, caregivers, and CNAs. Visiting Angels employees can enjoy referral bonuses, competitive wages, 401k matching benefits, paid mentoring opportunities, wage increases after their first year, and insurance. Our Loveland office hires full-time and part-time caregivers to assist seniors throughout Windsor, Loveland, Greeley, Fort Collins, and the surrounding communities. If you have the hard and soft skills to work as a professional caregiver, send us your application or call 970-292-5668 with any questions.