Your mother or father may be a vegetarian or a flexitarian, or a vegan by choice or chance. Those who have chosen to be vegetarian often discover conflict among some family members, physicians and home care agencies. The debate about the food pyramid is still strong among many in the healthcare industry. Many believe a well-balanced diet should include meat,…
You may be chuckling about some of mom or dad’s cravings for sweets and junk food and have determined it is due to age or a medically related issue. However, it’s suspected that many otherwise healthy seniors have vitamin deficiencies that cause such cravings. Were you aware that the lack of certain vitamins in your parent’s diet could cause them to…
Your mother or father may have been excited to become a grandparent. They may have been so excited that they were willing to help care for their grandchildren. However, the word “help” should have been defined. Think about this: Your mom or dad spent a good portion of their life raising their children, and now it is their turn to…
Whether the sun is shining or the sky is overcast, every day can be an overwhelming day for seniors as they age. Simple tasks like waking up and getting out of bed may be a challenge for your parent, and yet they may not be ready to face that daunting fact. Caregivers are all too familiar with how environments change…
Loss or change of taste buds is not uncommon among elderly adults. Taste and smell help people determine their like or dislike of food, and they are interrelated. What Happens After the Loss of Taste and Smell If a senior loses the sense of taste or smell, eating becomes boring, almost senseless and one of two things may happen. The…
Loving your parent is not a prerequisite to becoming their caretaker. Although you may feel responsible for their wellbeing, it may not be the best fit for you or your loved one. When professional caregivers were asked what tips they would provide someone considering home care this is what they shared. Caregivers must be advocates Not only are you advocating…
Life is a series of changes, and with each change we take on different roles in life. For many in their elder years, losses may have affected them, and expectations may feel more like disappointments. It is often the home helpers who provide the guidance and support for seniors to accept their new roles in society. Challenges for Elderly Relatives…
Your mother or father probably wants to age in place, which means they want to remain at home as they grow old, rather than entering a nursing home or assisted living facility. To help them, their home must meet their current needs. Downsizing is an important way to achieve that goal. A caregiver can assist you in downsizing their home….
Family conflicts often cause a problem during home care services. It is in your best interest to put all personal and family conflicts aside while arranging, organizing, and receiving home care services. But too often disputes are bitter or irresolvable conflicts. Siblings sometimes bring issues into their decision-making about parental care and can sometimes use these issues as reasons why…
Private home care services offer assistance with more than just required needs; they are an extension of the family and home. The best caregiver(s) you can provide your mother or father are those who understand their needs and provide compassionate support. While no caretaker is perfect, those who are truly dedicated get very close. A good care provider will engage…
