Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

As our parents age, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of signs that they may need additional support. While many older adults fiercely value their independence, there are often subtle indicators that assistance is necessary to ensure their safety, health, and overall well-being.Key Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help:Changes in Physical Appearance and HygieneA noticeable decline in personal grooming habits or hygiene can be a red flag. This may include wearing soiled clothing, infrequent bathing, or neglecting oral care. Significant weight changes, either gain or loss, can also indicate difficulties with meal preparation or underlying health issues.Household Management IssuesKeep an eye out for:Expired food in the refrigerator or a strong odor in the kitchenPiling up of mail, especially unpaid billsCluttered or disorganized living spacesNeglected home maintenance, both interior and exteriorMedication MismanagementDifficulties with medication can have serious consequences. Watch for:Confusion about dosages or schedulesUnopened pill bottles or untouched medication boxesMedications spilled on the floorCognitive and Emotional ChangesBe alert to:Increased forgetfulness or confusionChanges in mood or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activitiesSigns of loneliness or social isolation Mobility and Safety ConcernsLook out for:Unexplained bruising or injuriesDifficulty with walking, balance, or getting up from seated positionsNew scratches or dents on the car, indicating potential driving issuesTaking ActionIf you notice one or more of these signs, it's time to have a conversation with your parent. Approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for their desire for independence. Involving other family members can help facilitate discussions and decision-making.Remember that early intervention can prevent crises and ensure your parent receives the appropriate level of care. This might involve exploring options such as in-home assistance, meal delivery services, or senior living communities that can provide the necessary support while maintaining as much independence as possible.By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help your aging parent navigate this new phase of life with dignity and ensure their needs are met in a way that respects their wishes and preserves their quality of life.If you notice just one of these happening with your parent, it is time to have a conversation. If you need help starting that conversation or implementing a plan of care, consider working with an Aging Life Care Professional. Aging Life Care Professionals understand the frustration felt by adult children and the desperation felt by older adults who want to hold on to their independence. With an objective perspective on the situation, we can help facilitate difficult family discussions and decision-making to address these and other concerns.

As our population ages, managing healthcare for seniors becomes increasingly critical. One significant concern is hospital readmissions, which can be costly and detrimental to a seniors health and well-being. In-home care has emerged as a promising solution to reduce hospital readmissions, providing seniors with the support they need to recover and maintain their health at home. This blog explores how in-home care impacts hospital readmissions for seniors, offering insights into its benefits and the role it plays in enhancing overall health outcomes. Understanding Hospital Readmissions What Are Hospital Readmissions? Hospital readmissions occur when a patient is discharged from the hospital but has to return for the same or related medical condition within a specific period, usually 30 days. Readmissions can be a sign of inadequate care, complications, or a lack of proper follow-up. For seniors, who often have complex health needs, the risk of readmission is higher, making it a significant concern for healthcare providers and families. Causes of Hospital Readmissions in Seniors Several factors contribute to hospital readmissions among seniors, including: Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues can lead to frequent hospital visits if not managed properly. Medication Management: Incorrect use or misunderstanding of medications can result in complications and readmissions. Inadequate Follow-Up Care: Lack of proper follow-up after discharge can lead to complications or deterioration of health. Limited Support Systems: Seniors who live alone or have limited support may struggle with post-discharge care and recovery. The Role of In-Home Care in Reducing Hospital Readmissions Personalized Care PlansIn-home care provides a tailored approach to managing a seniors health. Care plans are developed based on the individuals specific needs and medical conditions, which can help prevent complications and reduce the likelihood of readmission. This personalized approach includes: Medication Management: Ensuring that medications are taken as prescribed and monitoring for potential side effects. Chronic Disease Management: Providing support for managing chronic conditions through regular monitoring and adjustments to care plans.  Continuous Monitoring and SupportOne of the key benefits of in-home care is continuous monitoring and support. Caregivers can observe changes in the seniors condition and respond quickly to any issues that arise. This ongoing support includes: Health Monitoring: Regularly checking vital signs and tracking health indicators to catch potential problems early. Emergency Response: Being available to handle emergencies and provide immediate assistance if needed.  Post-Discharge CareAfter a hospital discharge, in-home caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and recovery process. Post-discharge care services include: Follow-Up Appointments: Assisting with scheduling and transportation to follow-up medical appointments. Wound Care and Physical Therapy: Providing necessary care for wounds or facilitating physical therapy exercises as prescribed by the doctor.  Education and TrainingIn-home caregivers educate seniors and their families about managing health conditions, medication use, and lifestyle changes. This education helps in: Understanding Health Conditions: Ensuring that seniors and their families are well-informed about the seniors health conditions and treatment plans. Self-Care Techniques: Teaching techniques for managing symptoms and preventing complications.  Companionship and Emotional SupportEmotional well-being is an important aspect of recovery. In-home care provides companionship and emotional support, which can positively impact a seniors overall health. This support includes: Reducing Loneliness: Offering social interaction and companionship to alleviate feelings of isolation. Encouraging Compliance: Motivating seniors to follow care plans and engage in healthy behaviors. Conclusion In-home care plays a vital role in reducing hospital readmissions for seniors by providing personalized, continuous, and compassionate support. By addressing specific health needs, managing medications, offering post-discharge care, and providing emotional support, in-home caregivers help seniors maintain their health and prevent complications. Investing in in-home care not only improves health outcomes but also enhances the quality of life for seniors, making it a valuable component of comprehensive healthcare management. For more information on in-home care services and how they can benefit your loved one, contact us at 412-810-6595. We are committed to providing exceptional care and support to help seniors thrive in their own homes. 

A kitchen is often the central gathering place in the home. Family dinners, special occasions and time shared together all happen in the heart of the home. Making sure the kitchen a safe, happy place is important. On a daily basis, many of us spend time in our kitchens, and it is easy to forget that the kitchen can be a place where dangerous accidents are not uncommon especially for seniors.When it comes to senior adults and kitchen safety, the numbers show where potential issues can occur: The National Fire Protection Association reports that three (3) in ten (10) home fires start in the kitchen, more than any other room in the house.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year, including 5,000 fatal cases. Older adults, due to a natural decrease in their immune systems, can succumb to food poisoning more easily and have a harder time fighting it off if they do.Kitchens are also areas with high fall-risk areas: items stored out of reach, slippery floors, and the likelihood that meals are carried to eat in another room.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that people over the age of 65 have a 2.7 times greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire than the general population. For those that want to ensure that the kitchen is as safe as possible for their senior loved ones, there are three key areas to consider:Fire prevention and safety  The primary cause of kitchen fires is unattended food seniors should never leave the kitchen when food is cooking. Automatic shut-off devices are a great tool to help seniors that have memory issues but like to spend time cooking. Loose clothing, kitchen towels and potholders can all catch fire if too close to the stove, so it is good to be mindful about fabric near flames. And, on a regular basis, a qualified electrician should check wiring and outlets to ensure safety compliance this is a common cause of fires in older homes.Foodborne illness prevention  Because of the ways our bodies change when we get older, foodborne illness can become a much more serious issue. This can be prevented by properly storing food, checking fridge temperatures often, properly reheating food, cleaning old items out of the fridge and pantry often and checking expiration dates.Reduce fall risks  When seniors need to reach an item, whether stored too high or too low, it can cause a balance issue that may lead to a fall. Keeping cooking items within reach is critical. Clutter on counters should be removed, bright lights are helpful, and the heaviest objects should be stored at waist level. Water is often a problem in the kitchen possible issues include spilled water from the sink, leaking refrigerators and pipe leaks. Spilled water can make kitchen floors slippery, so adding mats and checking water sources often is important.The kitchen can be a joyful place in the home, with intentional action to minimize the risk of accident or illness. Being safe in the kitchen is not just common sense and revisiting safety tips for the kitchen is never a waste of time. Comfort Keepers can help. About one-quarter of Americans over age 65 need help with everyday activities such as eating, cooking, and getting in and out of bed or a chair. Our trained caregivers can help with these and other tasks, while engaging clients in activities that improve quality of life. They can also provide support for physician approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments and community events and can assess a home for safety issues and reducing fall hazards. For more information on how we can help, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers office today.

When and Why Assisted Living Makes Sense for You or a Loved OneTheres no place like home. Its comforting to have a familiar space thats all yours and to live life on your own terms. But what happens when that privacy can lead to isolation and loneliness? Or house and yard work becomes a little too much to handle. If youre feeling overwhelmed by shopping and cooking for one, or bathing and navigating a space is difficult, even dangerous, its time to consider your options.Assisted Living Communities have became an answer for seniors who place a high value on their quality of life and independence, but who may need help with certain daily activities, personal care or health care.WHAT IS ASSISTED LIVING EXACTLY?According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), The philosophy of assisted living is built on the concept of delivering person-centered carecare and services that meet residents individual needs and preferences.The goal of Assisted Living is to maximize and maintain independence for as long as possible and to:Accommodate individuals changing needs and preferencesMaximize dignity, autonomy, privacy, independence, choice and safetyEncourage family and community involvementMinimize the need to relocate over timeTraditions communities have taken these needs to heart. Our Core Values focus on promoting dignity, placing an emphasis on important interactions versus necessary duties, encouraging socialization, providing choices and serving others.HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS READY FOR ASSISTED LIVING?Theres no one right answer. But generally seniors or their loved ones begin to notice a growing difficulty and frustration with daily tasks and activities that were once routine, even enjoyable.When difficulties driving, shopping, cooking, keeping track of medications, bathing and grooming become more common, seniors tell us they can begin to feel sad, lonely and even depressed.Safety can become a real issue as well, especially when you cant drive and dont have transportation or youre not eating nutritious foods and meals regularly. If you cant get around your home or bathe without worry of falling, that should raise a red flag.When you visit a Traditions Assisted Living community, our team can help you evaluate your needs and show you how having a bit of support can make you happier and more independent in other areas of your life.THE 10 REASONS FOR CHOOSING A TRADITIONS ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITYYou dont have to sell your home, pack and move on your own.The idea of moving is overwhelming. But weve worked to simplify the process and work with you and your family to make things easier. Our Move-In Coordinator can help you review a list of what we recommend you bring with you.Once you sort through everything, you can always enlist a professional like our trusted partner, Marketplace Homes, to help you navigate showings, repairs, short or long-term leasing and the sale of your home.Youll be safe and have a sense of security.Traditions communities are filled with kindred spirits. You are part of a community of seniors and a caring team of people.Parking is available right outside our doors and parking lots are well-lit and regularly salted and/or plowed in the winter.You can choose from a variety of floor plans.Every Traditions community is designed with comfort in mind. So expect to have your choice of a variety of floor plans and square footage. You may even be able to choose a room that opens into a courtyard, is on ground level or a specific floor in some communities.We have a checklist to help you pack with purpose.Weve given a lot of consideration to what we can do to make you feel welcome, comfortable and at home, including putting together thisChecklist and list of Packing Pointers.Remind yourself that your goal is not to get rid of things you hold dear, but to simplify your life.Get help with what you need and well leave the rest in your capable hands.We are here to help you or your loved one go about life with independence and dignity. We are also here to create your personalized service plan that specifies any ongoing assistance you need, including any and all of the following:Nursing Services:Professional caregivers on site 24 hours a day, seven days a weekDelivery of all health care servicesRoutine health status monitoringPersonalized Service Plan updatesRound-the-Clock Support:Bathing and showeringDressing assistanceGroomingMobility/transferringDining assistanceMedication supportEmergency response pull cords and pendantsRoutine medication review by a licensed pharmacistYou can stay in your home as your needs change. Our Medical Director will do a regular assessment of your needs and you and your family can add or subtract from the things you need assistance with at any time.You wont need to change where you live to get the support you need.A lot of things come standard with Assisted Living.In addition to having personalized support, Assisted Living accommodations include the following:3 restaurant-style meals per dayAll utilitiesWeekly housekeeping servicesWeekly laundry service for bed linens and towels24-hour on-site caregiver staffSocial, religious, educational, recreational and wellness programs and activitiesOn-site gym with fitness equipment and classesScheduled transportation to medical appointmentsScheduled transportation to group outings and eventsYou will have your own space, as well as the opportunity to be involved and among friends. We welcome introverts and extroverts, and everything in between. Which means once you arrive, our Activities Director will reach out to you to see if you have interest in current events, gatherings and activities, or if youd like to start something new.Residents will most likely stop by over time to say hi or to see if you need anything, as will our team. There will be an open invitation to Happy Hour, movie nights, holiday events and more.If you thought you would be eating in a cafeteria, wait until you see the restaurant-style dining room, meet the Executive Chef and see the menu. Sharing a home-cooked meal with friends and family is one of the simple pleasures of life. Which is why we offer restaurant-style dining and serve a variety of delicious dishes using only the freshest ingredients.Many of our Executive Chefs have studied and worked all over the world at some of the finest restaurants and resorts and are anxious to add your favorite dishes to the menu.You can even share your thoughts, ideas and recipes at our Food Service Review each month.We are guests in your home. Our staff is trained and certified in everything from the latest medical care and therapies, to healthy and delicious meal preparation, event and activities planning and maintenance. Yet we make room for compassionate connection to take precedence over the necessities of our job descriptions.Traditions will maximize the quality of your life. Like many senior living communities, we have beautiful buildings with ample amenities. But our daily interactions with residents, the small acts of kindness and care, are the foundation of rich relationships and full lives.We also know its the little things that can make your day, make you comfortable and make your life easier, more beautiful and happier. Weve built these amenities and this attention to detail into our daily culture. Some things you can expect:Professionally designed and decorated spacesOutdoor terrace and patio areasBeauty salonChapelFitness Center and classesSpecial birthday and holiday dinnersHome-cooked mealsDaily Happy HourLaundry facilities and services availableHousekeeping services availableScheduled transportationScheduled outings and events