senior Archives - Ella Home Care

November 1, 2021 by Kirk Brechbiel

The Hottest Holiday Gadgets for Senior Adults

As you begin your holiday shopping, do you have older parents or family members on your list and are stumped at what you can get them that is both useful and unique? Turn to technology! Sure, the new pair of socks or a book is always welcome presents but don’t really stand out. If you’re hoping to really brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impression with your gift, finding the right tech gadget or tool is a great way to go.

Keep reading for a helpful list of ideas and advice for how to shop for a tech gift, particularly for older adults who may have hesitations or limitations. Through your generosity and thoughtfulness, you may be able to introduce them to a piece of technology that makes their daily life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some ideas we hope to inspire!

Keep track of easy-to-lose items with the Tile Mate Tracker

Everyone loses their keys (and other things) once in a while, and it can become more common with age. The Tile Mate helps you keep track of them and offers daily peace of mind. What’s the value on that? Best of all, its app is easy to use, and the tile itself is small, with a practical design. Simply attach it to a keychain or anything else you’re prone to lose and now you have a simple and discrete way to find it with the push of a button. There’s also a find-your-phone function which is highly useful!

Pills are a chore no more with the MedMinder

If your loved one needs to take pills on a strict schedule, but sometimes forgets, it can be a daily concern that weighs on your mind. This gift will help bring peace to everyone! Seniors with medications to manage every day will appreciate MedMinder’s reminders of when to open a pill compartment. The device’s built-in cell service connects to a monitoring station, so no phone or wireless network is needed. You can also buy refill trays that can be swapped in and out as needed.

Easy entertainment is always a welcome gift and Fire HD 8 makes it accessible to anyone

If your older parents get frustrated or confused by the television and countless remotes, a tablet may be a more user-friendly option for them to enjoy all the same entertainment on demand and in a convenient, portable size. The FireHD8 is one of the easiest tablets to use, and one of the cheapest. It has speakers and a bright screen and includes integration with services such as Amazon Prime Video. One option also comes with a wireless charging dock.

Using tech in the winter got a whole lot warmer with the COOYOO Touchscreen Gloves

Especially for people who live in colder climates, touchscreen gloves can lend a helping hand when you want to stay warm but still use your tech device. These gloves are a great price plus have the right features like thumb and index finger functionality. A perfect stocking stuffer for under $20.

If they don’t already have one, it’s time to own a Ring Video Doorbell!

This gift offers safety and convenience in one, plus a bit of entertainment! With the Ring Video Doorbell, you can detect when someone approaches your door, and see who’s there without leaving your seat — even when not at home. The device is easy to install, and the app is user-friendly. Plus, you can store and save videos if you choose the subscription service.

Give the give of never losing a password again with LastPass

One big challenge for seniors, and the rest of us, honestly, is keeping track of passwords. With LastPass, there’s only one master password to remember. LastPass takes care of the rest: password generation as well as automatically logging in. LastPass is available for smartphones and tablets as well as PCs, for protection regardless of the device being used. There is a modest annual subscription, but well worth the investment for the peace of mind it delivers.

Think beyond the power cord!

With one final thought, we want to remind you to think beyond the power cord when you’re considering tech gifts, especially for older adults. Technology comes in all shapes and sizes and is not limited to something with a screen or needs to be charged. Tech can be anything that helps to make daily life easier! So check out Amazon’s great listing of fun gadgets that are designed to not only help, but also add a smile to someone’s day.

We hope this short list of holiday tech gadgets has provided some insight and inspiration that will lighten your holiday gift-giving load. If you have a question or another idea to share, we welcome comments below!

October 11, 2021 by Kirk Brechbiel

Tips for Preventing Isolation in the Winter Months

The winter months can be hard on anyone, but especially our senior adults who already face the challenge of feeling isolated daily. The colder weather and wintery conditions create new challenges for staying connected in person, getting outside, and keeping spirits high. In order to stave off the “winter blues” it’s important to have a game plan and take proactive measures going into this season. Keep reading for our best tips for helping anyone, but senior adults in particular, feeling positive and connected during the winter months.

Develop an action plan now.

Before the dead of winter sets in, put a plan in place for events and activities that you can look forward to. When you leave your social schedule to chance, it’s far more likely that days and weeks will pass without much outside activity. While you have the energy and motivation to stay busy and connected during the winter months, commit to social engagements that you can put on your calendar well in advance. Whether it’s for you or a loved one, you’ll see these coming up on your calendar and they will offer a bright spot to look forward to. Even if you don’t feel like sticking with your obligation when the time arises, this will provide the encouragement you need to break away from dull habits and try something new. Speaking of which…

Try something new.

Beyond just meeting up with friends for coffee or a card game, look at the winter months as an opportunity to try something new and different. Explore a hobby you’ve always wanted to try or volunteer your time toward something productive. There is a lot you can still do from the comfort of home thanks to technology that enables us to be connected from afar. Make it a goal to end the winter season having gained a new skill, friend, or pastime.

Find people to hold you accountable.

Let friends and family members know now that you need their help during the winter months to check in regularly and to provide encouragement. As the season changes, the days get shorter, and the temps drop, it can be tempting to revert to daily habits that are comfortable yet stagnant. While it may feel good to “stay in” in the moment, the effort you put forth to see other people and partake in activities will always leave you feeling far more fulfilled. The best thing you can do is to ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable for the obligations you place on your schedule that help you stay connected and get out of the house every so often. A phone call or text to check-in will go a long way!

Be receptive to help.

And finally, know when you need help and be open to receiving it. If you ask someone to visit you regularly, check-in or encourage you with opportunities for events and activities throughout the winter, make every effort to say “yes” as often as possible. What may seem uncomfortable or like extra effort at the moment will be the nudge you need to keep you out of a slump and to avoid the winter blues. Plus, saying “yes” to social offers will always give you more opportunities to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

With the change of any season comes a new set of challenges as well as opportunities for joy and growth. We hope this advice will help you and your loved ones more into winter confidently with a plan to seek joyful moments of connectivity.

March 9, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

Myths vs. the Facts about In-Home Care

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the topic of in-home care provided by personal caregivers. To help you directly compare myths versus facts, we’ve compiled some of the most common sentiments and provided you with the facts. Take a look at what you should consider when exploring the option of in-home care or you or an aging loved one.

Myth: It’s too expensive.

Fact: The perception of the cost of in-home personal care is a very important topic, so let’s talk numbers. The national average daily cost for a private nursing home room is $253 dollars a day, according to a survey by Genworth Financial. The national average daily cost for in-home care services is $125 per day assuming 44 hours per week. Nursing care can cost nearly twice as much as home care. And while it can provide 24/7 services, many seniors residing at home don’t need that intensive level of round-the-clock support. In fact, many home-based seniors do not even need 44 hours of home care a week.

Myth: It will be awkward having a ‘stranger’ in the home.

Fact: While a personal care provider will be new at first, it’s just like meeting a friend for the first time. After a few interactions, you quickly learn more about one another and then there will come a time when you can’t remember not having them in your life. The same is true for a personal care provider working in your home or a home of a loved one. Yes, it will take some time and effort to forge a relationship, but given that they will be around frequently, and helping with essential tasks, it takes hardly any time to start to form a bond.

Myth: Home care is only for people who are very sick or terminally ill.

Fact: It’s important to not confuse home care for hospice. While each serve very important, and at times similar roles, they are different. In-home personal care works wonderfully for those who may only need assistance a few days a week to ensure their personal needs are met. In fact, these may be fairly mobile and independent people who simply need an extra set of hands or a regular check-in to ensure they are safe and well.

Myth: My parents are doing fine. It’s way too early to be thinking about this.

Fact: No one wants to believe that their parents are getting old and struggling to take care of themselves. As children, we want to forever believe our parents are as capable as they have always been. But the reality is this way of thinking is not helpful to our aging loved ones or ourselves. It’s important to be tuned into what’s really taking place. If your mom needs help remembering to take the correct medications at the correct times, or your dad is having difficulty balancing the check book, a personal care provider can help with all of this and more while enabling them to remain living comfortably in their own home.

Myth: We’re capable of handling this on our own.

Fact: Some families may believe they can fully handle the needs of their aging relatives on their own. And in some instances, maybe they can. But if you’re like most families, you have work obligations and other personal obligations that fill up most of your time. You wouldn’t want your mom or dad to become an added stress on your schedule or to be seen as yet one more item on your to-do list in a day. With an in home care provider, children get to remain children to their parents, even as they age. Sometimes being both a child and a caregiver can be too much and put a strain on a relationship that should be cherished.

Myth: My mom or dad are completely against it.

Fact: It’s perfectly naturally to be opposed to change, at least at first. There are many unknowns and misconceptions that can cause us to form a negative opinion without all the facts. If you find your mom or dad have expressed that they are against having a personal caregiver in their home, urge them to try it for just one week. What harm can it do? This will give them a chance to experience the benefits and really see that it’s like so they can make an informed decision based on experience and fact.

Myth: It will look like I’m putting my responsibilities on someone else.

Fact: First of all, who cares what anyone else thinks especially if you are acting in the best interest of your family? Second, seeking help for something that is beyond your ability is the most responsible thing you can do. It in no way reflects that you don’t care for your aging loved one. In fact, the opposite is true. It demonstrates your level of love and commitment to them by seeking out the best possible for of care to keep them safe and healthy as long as possible.

Are you or someone you know considering the help of an in-home personal caregiver for a loved one? We hope you found these myths vs. fact helpful and enlightening. If you should have additional questions or wish to explore your options for personal care, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

March 5, 2020 by Kirk Brechbiel

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

For most people, our dream is to remain living independently, in our own homes for as long as possible. Many factors can impact the ability to do this including health, finances, and support. If you or someone you know are planning for the future, which includes a desire to live independently, consider these tips and tools for putting yourself in the best position to do so.

Plan Ahead

In the midst of everything else going on in your life, it can be hard to find time to plan ahead for the future. Often, this gets pushed to the back burner. But one of the best things you can do for your future self is to start planning for how you wish to live your later years in life. What does this look like? If you desire to stay in your home as long as possible, it’s important to consider what all this will require of you and your loved ones. Write down your plan and think through all the variables. Having this mapped out will help you out greatly down the road.

Communicate Your Wishes

Now that you have thought through what it will require to live independently as you age, you must make your wishes known to those who are likely going to be caring for you, to some degree, in the future. Quite possibly this is a spouse, family member, or even a friend or neighbor. Making it known early that it is your desire to remain living in your home as you age will help your loved ones adjust their expectations and be able to fully support you.

Get Your Finances in Order

There are costs associated with anywhere you live, whether that’s in your current home or in a retirement community. There are certainly pros and cons to each. Be sure to get your finances in order early. Not only will this help you throughout retirement, but it will enable you to live where you wish without a lack of funds dictating the care you do or do not receive. You may even wish to consider a long-term care insurance policy which can assist with costs like professional care in your home.

Enhance Home Safety

Another way to plan ahead for aging in your home as long as possible is to ensure that it is a safe space. Invest in your home with things like repairs, enhancements and safety features to make it a place where you can age safely. If you should need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, can your home accommodate that? Can you arrange things to create a first floor bedroom to eliminate the use of stairs? Make time to carefully walk through every aspect of your home so that you are aware of things that may need to change in order to stay living in your home in your later years.

Consider a Professional Caregiver

Finally, and most importantly, you may want to consider how a professional caregiver can help you achieve your goal of living independently in your home for as long as possible. You may not need this assistance right away, but it’s smart to at least be informed of what options are available to you and the associated cost. Reach out to a trusted in-home care agency, like Ella Home Care, who can advise you of the services they provide and how they fit your needs and budgetary requirements.

If you or someone you know is hoping to remain living independently in their home as they age remember that with these tips and some additional professional help, it is possible! At Ella Home Care, we proudly provide options to help people live independently in their homes. We welcome you to contact us so we can discuss what might be right for your needs.

October 22, 2019 by Kirk Brechbiel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Hottest Holiday Gadgets for Senior Adults

Tips for Preventing Isolation in the Winter Months

Myths vs. the Facts about In-Home Care

Tips for Living Independently for as Long as Possible

6 Signs That an Aging Adult May Need a Professional Caregiver

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