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How Senior Adults Can Stay Healthy this Flu Season

For many, the winter season is the best season of all. It brings with it the holidays, snowy settings, and fun family traditions. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when we see a lot more illnesses floating around, especially among our aging adult population. Germs can spread rapidly with everyone spending more time indoors and at social gatherings. So what can you do to protect yourself from catching the flu bug this season? Take a look at our top tips for how senior adults can stay healthy during the winter months.

Get the Flu Vaccine

One very important line of defense against the flu is to start with a flu shot. Especially for our senior adults, this can greatly reduce your chances of contracting the flu. More than just the inconvenience of being sick, the flu poses a substantially greater risk to our aging population who can suffer severe side effects and a very long recovery time compared to younger generations. Flu shots are widely available and most commonly free.

Maintain Good Hygiene Practices

This flu season, make it a commitment to stay ahead of germs by practicing smart hygiene. This means thoroughly washing your hands after using the restroom or when out in public spaces, and washing your hands every time before you touch food, your mouth, or eyes. This is a very simple yet highly effective step for reducing flu germs, and any other germs, from calling your home their home.

Stay Active

Staying active in the winter is not always easy, but it is worth it. Getting in a little bit of physical activity every day has been proven to boost your immune system which wards off illnesses like the flu. In the dark, winter months, staying active can also boost your emotional wellness. Getting out of your home, seeing friends and neighbors, and stretching or moving your body is good for the mind, body, and soul.

See the Doctor – Only When Necessary

When you come down with a common winter illness, the best thing to do is to rest and give yourself time to get over the illness at home. For something that appears common, non-life-threatening, and is showing signs of improving, you don’t need to rush to the doctor to confirm the obvious. The doctor’s office is frequented by sick people, so every time you come in for an appointment you’re also exposing yourself to additional germs. If symptoms worsen or become severe, absolutely see a doctor, but otherwise try to avoid public places where germs tend to follow, like a doctor’s office.

Avoid Crowds and Limit Travel

Another smart tip to limit your exposure to the flu this season, especially for our aging population, is to avoid large crowds and limit travel. Again, these public spaces tend to be where large amount of germs reside. By exposing yourself to them, you’re also exposing yourself to these germs. Limit your risk by sticking to smaller, more personal spaces and using good hygiene to get rid of any germs that may have come home with you.

Focus on Hydration and Nutrition

Finally, focus on drinking lots of water and fueling your body with good nutrition. This will help give your body the resources it needs to produce a healthy immune system and put up a strong line of defense against germs. Increase your intake of Vitamin C to further boost your immune system, and incorporate some herbal teas into your diet to soothe dry throats while offering additional hydration.

The bottom line to staying healthy this flu season is to be proactive and smart with your health habits. If you haven’t already gotten flu shot, the best time to do that is now. Also, stock up on supplies like tissues antimicrobial wipes, and hand sanitizer so it’s quick and convenient to keep hands and surfaces clean. With a little planning ahead you can save yourself from the negative impact of coming down with, and spreading the flu this season.

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6 Signs That an Aging Adult May Need a Professional Caregiver

It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that an aging loved one may need the help of an in home caregiver to assist them with essential daily tasks. We all want to believe that our parents, or other extended family will always be capable of caring for themselves and living independently, safely. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.

Sooner or later it’s likely that your loved one will need some form of professional care to remain in their home as long as possible. And it’s in everyone’s best interest to see they get the help they deserve early, before an accident or worse could take place. Let’s explore some of the most common signs that this time has come.

  1. They are unable to keep up with their hygiene.

When you visit your loved one, you likely take notice of their appearance and personal hygiene. Do they appear to have recently showered? Are their clothes clean? How do their hair, skin, and nails look? If any of these appear below the standard of care you would wish for them, this is where a professional caregiver, even just a few days a week, can step in to be of assistance.

  1. The house is becoming unkempt.

Again, another thing to note when you visit is the state of their home. A little clutter here and there is perfectly natural (for all of us). But should you start to notice things like dishes piling up, expired food sitting out, excess dust and dirt on surfaces, or strange odors, it may be time to talk to a professional home care company about your options. More than just hiring a housekeeper to keep things neat, a professional caregiver can assist with these tasks, plus care for the mental and emotional wellness of your loved one.

  1. They are showing signs of forgetfulness.

Forgetfulness is common as we age. Minor things here and there are hardly cause for concern. Where it does become concerning is when important, and potentially dangerous, things are being overlooked. For example, missing a doctor’s appointment repeatedly can have serious health consequences, as can forgetting to take medication as prescribed. Additionally, forgetfulness can lead to dangers like forgetting to turn off the stove, or checking food for expiration dates. This is where the extra eyes and hands of a professional caregiver can really help.

  1. Accidents and injuries are becoming more frequent.

Life should not be spent waiting for that next dreaded phone call that your loved one had an accident and it resulted in a broken bone, or major injury. When such incidents appear to be coming on more frequently, it’s time to take immediate action. It is well worth being proactive and seeking professional care to assist your loved one throughout the day so that your heart doesn’t sink every time your phone rings.

  1. They express loneliness.

Let’s talk about the emotional side of caregiving for a moment. Even if your loved one appears perfectly fine to care for themselves physically, how are they doing emotionally? Do you they receive regular face-to-face interaction from other people? Do they have the ability to get out of the home and enjoy activities? No one wants to feel shut in their own home. This leads to depression and an overall pool quality of life. With the help of a professional caregiver, your loved one will have regular social interaction and assistance to get them out of the home when desired.

  1. You worry about them often.

Finally, and most importantly, if you feel like hours of your day are spent thinking – and worrying – about your loved one, then it’s time to put a system in place to give you back peace of mind. Knowing your loved one is being seen regularly and receiving professional care will allow you to be fully present in your own life, and enjoy the time you get to spend with that loved one.

Do you or someone you know show one or more of these signs? It might be time to have a conversation with a home care agency who can offer you advice and options.

Contact Ella Home Care today!

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Show Appreciation for CNAs on National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

Thursday, June 13 is observed as National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day. Though it goes without saying that our CNA’s deserve our appreciation each and every day of the year, this day serves as a reminder to make time to go out of our way for a little extra act of thanks.

How can you show your appreciation for a CNA on Thursday, June 13? Here are just a few ideas to help spark your inspiration.

Put it into words.

The most thoughtful gifts don’t have to cost anything. As you know, “It’s the thought that counts.” So how can you let a CNA know that you are thinking about them? Put it into words! Write a letter, give them a card or put it in a poem. Don’t worry about being creative, simply speak from the heart. If you can, share a story of a time when you really appreciated their help. This will show that you’re grateful for them well beyond this day.

Do something that makes their job a little easier.

Think of a way to make their day-to-day tasks just a bit more enjoyable. Is there a tool or technology you might buy for them that can make their tasks more efficient? Is there something broken or outdated in your home, or wherever your CNA works, for example a clock or cooking appliance, that you could replace? Or maybe you purchase something that offers entertainment, like music or a book, to brighten up their day.

Honor your relationship with them.

A CNA does much more than care for another person, they form deep relationships which can be as close as family. Honor them by giving them a token of appreciation that reminds them of this relationship. For example, you can get a photo of your CNA with the person for whom they care and create a keepsake by framing it or incorporating the photo into another craft. Every time they see this photo that will be reminded that their job is so important to those they touch.

Give them the gift of rest.

Another thoughtful way to observe National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day is to think of a gift that encourages them to take a break and rest. A new candle, lotion, essential oil or gift card to a local spa are all wonderful ways to say, “I appreciate all the hard work you do for our family and you deserve some time to rest and recharge.”

Take it to social media.

We put most everything on social media, why not post some positivity? Share a story or simply offer some words of kindness for how a CNA has touched your life. Use #CareerNurseAssistantsDay to share on social media so that other CNA’s who might be following along can find your message and benefit from the added appreciation.

This National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day, June 13, be sure to take a moment to thank a CNA for all they do!  To all of our CNA’s at Ella Home Care, and everywhere, thank you for all the love and care you pour into those who need it most. You bring joy and peace of mind to families and help others live the best possible quality of life. Simply put, you make the world a better place. Thank you!

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5 Ways to Be Proactive About Senior Heat Safety in the Summer

If you’ve stepped outside lately, you know that summer is heating up. We’ve already had some days creep to the 90 degree mark, and this is only the beginning. In Pennsylvania, our summer months get dangerously hot and this heat is especially dangerous for our aging senior adult population.

Far too many injuries and deaths occur each summer due to the heat. This summer, in order to beat the heat, we urge you to be proactive with how you and your loved ones prepare for the coming weeks. Here are five steps to help get your started.

  1. Make sure air conditioning and fans are in working order.

Imagine on a hot day, your senior parents going to turn on their air conditioning unit and nothing happens. The temperatures are quickly rising and you may not be able to track down a repair man for hours, if not days. What do you do? This is the scenario you want to avoid and you can do so by making sure all air conditioning units and fans are in working order right now. Ideally, you would even do this in the spring months to allow time for repairs. Checking these things early and often will prevent the panic of being without cool relief in the hottest months.

  1. Limit time outside during the hottest hours.

The next thing you can do to be proactive about summer heat safety for your aging loved ones is to limit their time spent outdoors between 10am and 2pm. These are the hottest hours of the day and also when the sun is most direct. You can avoid unnecessary heat exhaustion and sunburn by planning your outdoor activities accordingly.

  1. Make it easy to stay hydrated.

When preparing for the summer, also check the home to be sure there are ample opportunities to get water and stay hydrated. Make it easy and enjoyable for your loved ones to drink liquids. Are water glasses easy to get to? Are there water bottles to make it more portable? Are there some low-calorie drinks that offer some taste to add variety? All of these things will help make proper hydration possible.

  1. Switch out the wardrobe.

For many senior adults, getting dressed each morning is a challenge all on its own. When summer comes around there is also the challenge of locating weather-appropriate clothes. If all the light-weight tops and shorts are packed away in storage, or on high shelves, it’s not going to be as easy as it should be to dress smart for the heat. Before summer sets in help your loved ones unpack their summer wear and remind them of the best outfits for the hottest days.

  1. Check in regularly.

Finally and most importantly, on hot days you should check in just a bit more frequently with your senior parents and grandparents. Not only is this a great opportunity to remind them of summer heat safety, you will also be able to hear how they are feeling and if they are staying cool and hydrated. This small act to keep seniors safe in the summer is well worth the effort!

This summer, be sure to be smart about the sun and the heat. The best defense is to be proactive with how you dress, the time you spend outside, and staying hydrated. We hope you’ll take these five actions and put them into practice for you and your loved ones this summer!

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New Trends that are Reshaping In-Home Care

Both technology and healthcare are changing at rapid rates for our country. With these changes come opportunity for growth and development, especially for in-home care. As we move into 2019, there are some important new trends that are sure to change the way we view and use in-home care. The good news is these trends are likely to make in-home care more accessible for our aging loved ones so that they can fulfill their desire to age gracefully and comfortably in their home. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Embracing the Use of “Wearables”

Home monitoring devices or “wearables” will increasingly provide a broad range of health care options for older adults, their caretakers, and their health care providers. Beyond basic medical alert devices, like Life Alert, technology has advanced into the monitoring of chronic conditions. For example, EKGs have been implanted in smartphones and can be activated along with pocket-sized electrodes when patients begin to experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Additionally, diabetes monitors can provide patients with real-time glucose levels. Technology is now looking to expand into a next level of sensors that may provide physicians with information about diet, activity levels and stress to provide a complete picture of a patient’s condition.

Interacting with Technology

With the recent surge of in-home, interactive technology such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, more and more seniors are benefitting from the use of this technology. Through a variety of apps, they can track and record their own daily health notes, have easier access to call a family member or alert 911 in a time of need, and can use the device for entertainment. While technology will never replace the need for interaction with other people, Alexa and Google Home can provide just one more way aging adults can feel connected to the world around them, even if they may not be able to get out as frequently as they would like.

Increasing Value for In-Home Care

Hospitals and health systems now, more than ever before, have realized the extreme value that in-home care provides. Patients who have the support of in-home care are less likely to have an accident or medical emergency when they have the oversight of regular in-home care. In return, this reduces the patient’s risk of needing to receive emergency care from a hospital. Even when a patient does need to seek care from a hospital, upon return to their home, they have a better chance of smooth recovery with help at home. For these reasons hospitals and health systems realize the value in-home care plays in the full spectrum of continuing care.

Growing Demand for Caregivers

And with the increased value of in-home care, demand is on the rise as well. As a result, the demand for professional caregivers is also growing. This demand is sure to re-shape in-home care as organizations who provide such care must change the way in which they recruit and retain quality caregivers. Additionally, for those passionate about pursuing a career as a caregiver, there will be more opportunity to work in this field and help serve others.

Combined, these trends stand to have a large impact on in-home care both now and well into the future. As technology continues to change at a rapid rate, and other health systems as well as individuals recognize the value that in-home care provides, there is room for substantial growth for the home health industry. Regardless of where the future leads us, what’s most important is that all organizations and industries who serve our aging community seek collaborative solutions to increase the quality of life for our senior adults.

What trend do you find most promising or interesting?

Our Promise To You

  • All calls answered by a live person
  • Engaged & well trained home care professionals
  • 24/7 access to your loved one’s care plan through our online portal
  • We will listen more than we talk
  • We will work one-on-one to develop your care plan

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Contact Us

Ella Home Care
Address:
839 Market Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Phone: (717) 963-7280
Fax: (717) 695-2892

Email: info@ellahc.com