Leading in-home senior care provider urges families to help seniors “Go Green”
The nation is more focused than ever on saving energy and taking care of the environment. However for the elderly, “going green” may not be the easiest thing to understand or do. That’s why Senior Helpers, the fastest growing provider of in-home care for seniors, is urging families to follow these simple tips to help their elderly loved ones save hundreds of dollars in energy costs and help save the planet for future generations.
“The U.S. Department of Energy reports consumers spend 6 to 12% of their incomes on energy and that is a big hit for seniors on a budget,” says Lynne Sinclair with Senior Helpers in Wheaton IL. “These are simple tips family members can help their elderly loved ones take to not only save hundreds of dollars but also save energy.”
1. Compact fluorescent bulbs are a bright idea for cutting costs. However not all CFL’s produce the same type of light. To get that traditional warm light people prefer, look for a CFL with a Kelvin temperature of 2,600 to 3,000. CFL’s do cost more, but they usually last 10X longer than incandescent bulbs and can save up to $60in electricity per light over their lifetime.
2. Appliances with a clock, charger, or remote use electricity even when the device isn’t being used. In fact, of the total electricity used to run home electronics, 40%is used when the appliances are turned off. The best thing, pull the plug when not in use.
3. Hot water heaters built before 2004 don’t have as much insulation. Wrap the heater in an insulating blanket, and save 10%, or $30 off your water heating bill.
4. Get your furnace tuned up and save 10% off your heating bill.
5. For every degree the thermostat is lowered during the heating season, save 5% on your bill. Seniors need to be careful not to keep their house too cold however. A programmable thermostat is a better alternative because it will adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep. They cost about $70, but it saves more than twice its price in a year.
6. Use cold water to wash your clothes and save 50% of the energy you would use for hot water. Use the moisture sensor, not the timer on the dryer, and save 15%.
7. Weather-strip the front and back doors and save $30 per year in energy costs.
8. Install low flow shower heads and faucets, and save 50% of the energy and 25-60% of the water needed to shower. Older shower heads use 5.5 gallons per minute, the newer ones use about half that amount or less. That can save $30-$100 per year. Check for leaky faucets and toilets as well. Leaky faucets can lose 2,700 gallons of water per year. A leaky toilet can lose 200 gallons per day.
9. Run full loads of clothes and dishes. Most of the energy is used to heat a set amount of water, so running smaller loads wastes energy and water.
Source: Kiplingers.com
Contact:
Lynne Sinclair, Owner and General Manager 630-689-4050
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About Senior Helpers:
Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with seniors who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing or assisted living facility. The company has 280 franchises in 38 states and offers a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of life for the client and peace of mind for their families. Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care. For more information, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Will Alzheimer's Disease Bankrupt America?
A new report targeting Baby Boomers from the Alzheimer's Association is available at www.alz.org (look on left side of the screen under "Alzheimers in the News". The report has many alarming statistics in regarding how Alzheimers will affect Baby Boomers and how it will affect the American economy.
Will Alzheimer's Bankrupt America? From the report "Today, America spends $172 billion caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. With the aging of the baby boomers, Alzheimer's could bring this country to its financial knees. Costs will reach over $1 trillion in 2050 — and that's not counting inflation." (For those of you who do not like doing the math in your head, that is nearly a TEN FOLD increase).
What Will Life Be like for Baby Boomers? During their retirement, most Baby Boomers will either be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, or will be caring for a loved one with the disease.
What is the Call to Action? The report compares the funding by the U.S. Government on various diseases, showing how Alzheimers research is underfunded compared with other diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Funding for cancer research is about 12 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research. Similiarly, the funding for heart disease is almost 9 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research, and HIV Aids research is nearly 7 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research. Yet, there are some promising advances in research on Alzheimer's disease that are cause for hope.
The report is available free from their website.
Will Alzheimer's Bankrupt America? From the report "Today, America spends $172 billion caring for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. With the aging of the baby boomers, Alzheimer's could bring this country to its financial knees. Costs will reach over $1 trillion in 2050 — and that's not counting inflation." (For those of you who do not like doing the math in your head, that is nearly a TEN FOLD increase).
What Will Life Be like for Baby Boomers? During their retirement, most Baby Boomers will either be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, or will be caring for a loved one with the disease.
What is the Call to Action? The report compares the funding by the U.S. Government on various diseases, showing how Alzheimers research is underfunded compared with other diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Funding for cancer research is about 12 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research. Similiarly, the funding for heart disease is almost 9 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research, and HIV Aids research is nearly 7 times the amount of funding for Alzheimer's research. Yet, there are some promising advances in research on Alzheimer's disease that are cause for hope.
The report is available free from their website.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wandering with Dementia
Janice was an experienced professional caregiver with Senior Helpers in-home care agency, and it was her first day with a new client Bob, who is in his late 70's and has dementia. All is going fine until after dinner, when Bob puts on his coat and declares that he has to go out to see his parents on this bitterly cold night in January. Bob was not easily coaxed back into the house.
One of the biggest worries that loved ones of people with dementia face is the threat of wandering. Especially in these cold winter months, families worry that their loved one will wander off and be lost in the cold.
Why do they wander? People with dementia can become confused about time and place. They can be reliving something from their past. They can believe they are conversing with relatives long gone from this world.
What can a family do to protect their loved one?
•The Alzheimer's Organization has a "Safe Return" program that is funded by the US government. Go to www.alz.org/safereturn for more information and to register. The loved one can be registered in the national database. A "Medic Alert" bracelet (or other jewelry) can be ordered with a phone number to call. For example, a bracelet may read "Memory Impaired Call Immediately" along with the number to call.
•Label rooms – sometimes wandering is a result of simply not being able to find the desired room, such as the bathroom. Label rooms with signs and photos. This may help eliminate some confusion.
•Put all coats in a coat closet. Seeing a coat laying out may prompt a person with dementia to put it on and go outside.
•Camouflage the doors – put drapes over the doors so they are not readily visible.
•Install alarms – an alarm can notify you that your loved one has opened a door.
•Assess the needs of the loved one. Is there too much stimulation for the loved one, or too much confusion? Are they seeking relief from over stimulation? Or is there not enough stimulation? Are they seeking physical activity or mental stimulation? Look for clues to whether either of these are possibilities.
Most times, caring for someone with dementia is a matter of trial and error. Seek professional help as well.
In our situation, Janice calls 911, and with the help of the first responders, Bob is coaxed back into the house. That week, Bob's physician adjusts his medications which help Bob feel more calm and make him less combative. Still, the medications have an impact on his balance, making him more prone to falls.
Senior Helpers has experience in caring for clients with dementia, as well as their loved ones. We provide professional caregivers that are skilled in caring for those with dementia, allowing family members to have some relief from the extraordinary demands of caring for family members with special needs. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our clients and to provide peace of mind for their loved ones.
To learn more, go to www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton or www.seniorcaredupage.com
Keywords: elder care senior home health companion personal dementia alzheimers assisted
One of the biggest worries that loved ones of people with dementia face is the threat of wandering. Especially in these cold winter months, families worry that their loved one will wander off and be lost in the cold.
Why do they wander? People with dementia can become confused about time and place. They can be reliving something from their past. They can believe they are conversing with relatives long gone from this world.
What can a family do to protect their loved one?
•The Alzheimer's Organization has a "Safe Return" program that is funded by the US government. Go to www.alz.org/safereturn for more information and to register. The loved one can be registered in the national database. A "Medic Alert" bracelet (or other jewelry) can be ordered with a phone number to call. For example, a bracelet may read "Memory Impaired Call Immediately" along with the number to call.
•Label rooms – sometimes wandering is a result of simply not being able to find the desired room, such as the bathroom. Label rooms with signs and photos. This may help eliminate some confusion.
•Put all coats in a coat closet. Seeing a coat laying out may prompt a person with dementia to put it on and go outside.
•Camouflage the doors – put drapes over the doors so they are not readily visible.
•Install alarms – an alarm can notify you that your loved one has opened a door.
•Assess the needs of the loved one. Is there too much stimulation for the loved one, or too much confusion? Are they seeking relief from over stimulation? Or is there not enough stimulation? Are they seeking physical activity or mental stimulation? Look for clues to whether either of these are possibilities.
Most times, caring for someone with dementia is a matter of trial and error. Seek professional help as well.
In our situation, Janice calls 911, and with the help of the first responders, Bob is coaxed back into the house. That week, Bob's physician adjusts his medications which help Bob feel more calm and make him less combative. Still, the medications have an impact on his balance, making him more prone to falls.
Senior Helpers has experience in caring for clients with dementia, as well as their loved ones. We provide professional caregivers that are skilled in caring for those with dementia, allowing family members to have some relief from the extraordinary demands of caring for family members with special needs. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our clients and to provide peace of mind for their loved ones.
To learn more, go to www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton or www.seniorcaredupage.com
Keywords: elder care senior home health companion personal dementia alzheimers assisted
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tips on Talking to Seniors
During the holiday season, we may be spending more time with older family members. Communicating with the seniors in our lives can sometimes be challenging. Physical and medical factors, such as hearing/vision loss, memory loss, or ill-fitting dentures, can leave the elderly feeling angry and frustrated when they are unable to keep up with even a simple conversation. They may feel lonely and isolated, and may fear a loss of control in their lives when asked to discuss personal matters. And ever-changing telephone technology presents its own obstacles to communication for the senior set. However, there are several strategies and skills we can use to ease the communication process with our loved ones and keep the stress level down.
Patience is probably the most essential tool of all when talking to the elderly. This includes listening carefully, not rushing the speaker, and never interrupting or finishing their sentences for them. Understand that the elderly may speak more slowly, and may be focused more on “reflecting” than “action.” Don’t try to rush the process or the speaker may become stubborn or resistant. If they are repeating the same stories, ask them for new details or further information.
Try to understand what’s important to your parents. Ask their opinion or tell them about your day. Pull out some family photos and ask questions about them. Ask seniors about their careers, military service, or the way they raised their family. Share in their grief, worry, or joy.
If talking about a concern, be sure to only bring up one issue at a time. Keep it simple. Ask questions and offer more than one acceptable solution. Give them a choice as to what they think is best. Remember that issues of control and independence become very important as we age; involve them in the decision process.
Use careful, thoughtful speech by speaking slowly and enunciating clearly. Use a calm tone. Treat the elderly with respect and avoid using patronizing language or tone.
Reduce background noise and distractions, such as the tv or radio. And be sure your loved one uses whatever assistive aids are available, including hearing aids, eyeglasses, or amplified telephone headsets.
When discussing something important with the senior, take notes for them to help them remember what was said. Rephrase important points, and ask questions to confirm they understood. Morning is usually best for discussions on important issues.
If understanding or being understood is a problem, ask for help from a family member or caregiver.
By making time and taking special care, we can ensure that our elderly loved ones feel heard and appreciated, and we can better enjoy the time we spend together.
Senior Helpers can provide caring in-home companions for your loved ones. For more information please visit our website at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton.
Patience is probably the most essential tool of all when talking to the elderly. This includes listening carefully, not rushing the speaker, and never interrupting or finishing their sentences for them. Understand that the elderly may speak more slowly, and may be focused more on “reflecting” than “action.” Don’t try to rush the process or the speaker may become stubborn or resistant. If they are repeating the same stories, ask them for new details or further information.
Try to understand what’s important to your parents. Ask their opinion or tell them about your day. Pull out some family photos and ask questions about them. Ask seniors about their careers, military service, or the way they raised their family. Share in their grief, worry, or joy.
If talking about a concern, be sure to only bring up one issue at a time. Keep it simple. Ask questions and offer more than one acceptable solution. Give them a choice as to what they think is best. Remember that issues of control and independence become very important as we age; involve them in the decision process.
Use careful, thoughtful speech by speaking slowly and enunciating clearly. Use a calm tone. Treat the elderly with respect and avoid using patronizing language or tone.
Reduce background noise and distractions, such as the tv or radio. And be sure your loved one uses whatever assistive aids are available, including hearing aids, eyeglasses, or amplified telephone headsets.
When discussing something important with the senior, take notes for them to help them remember what was said. Rephrase important points, and ask questions to confirm they understood. Morning is usually best for discussions on important issues.
If understanding or being understood is a problem, ask for help from a family member or caregiver.
By making time and taking special care, we can ensure that our elderly loved ones feel heard and appreciated, and we can better enjoy the time we spend together.
Senior Helpers can provide caring in-home companions for your loved ones. For more information please visit our website at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Holiday Gifts for Seniors
Shopping for the seniors in our lives doesn’t have to be hard, it just takes a bit of creativity. Before you shop, there are a few important things to keep in mind: your loved one’s interests/hobbies, their capabilities (special needs or limited abilities), and your own budget. And gift giving doesn’t have to cost a lot, often gifts of our time and companionship mean the most.
Here are some gift-giving suggestions to get you started:
• Coupon book for fun activities or help with things around the house (for example, tickets to play or sports event; certificate for grooming services for their pet; organize their photos with them or make a memory book)
• Gift certificate (beauty salon, restaurant, movies, grocery store) or prepaid phone card
• Arrange for household help: cleaning, caregiving, decorating, lawn care
• Gift baskets: books, fruits, gardening supplies, stationery, games/puzzles/crosswords
• Homemade gifts & crafts are good personalized gifts: photo gifts (photo tote, digital pic frame), scrapbooks, silk flower arrangements
• Offer them transportation: either you driving them or a taxi service
• Medical related items: a pillbox/organizer, medical emergency notification system
• Large-print books or large-faced playing cards with card-holder
• Home gadgets/electronics
1. Large faced clocks
2. Flashing light doorbell
3. Big numbered phone or cell phone; sound-amplifying phone
4. Tv remote control with large numbers
5. Talking bathroom scale or talking alarm clock
6. Electronic talking calculator
7. Lighted magnifier/flashlight
• Make or purchase a shawl or throw for warmth
• Keep them warm: A space heater or a donation to the gas or electric bill
• A box of special food goodies that meets their dietary restrictions
• A special class for seniors (ask local Office of the Aging) ex. Genealogy, exercise
• Books on CD; an IPod; dvd collection of old tv shows they used to watch
• Massaging back pillow or neck roll, or a gel seat cushion
• A new robe, or sweatpants & shirt…easy to put on with no fastenings; warm & comfortable
• Hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, lotions, lip balm
• Lap desk
Whatever you choose, be sure to make it a point to spend time with your senior and enjoy their company. Senior Helpers provides in-home care for seniors and can help take care of your loved one. Find out more at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/. Let’s make this a holiday season to remember!
Here are some gift-giving suggestions to get you started:
• Coupon book for fun activities or help with things around the house (for example, tickets to play or sports event; certificate for grooming services for their pet; organize their photos with them or make a memory book)
• Gift certificate (beauty salon, restaurant, movies, grocery store) or prepaid phone card
• Arrange for household help: cleaning, caregiving, decorating, lawn care
• Gift baskets: books, fruits, gardening supplies, stationery, games/puzzles/crosswords
• Homemade gifts & crafts are good personalized gifts: photo gifts (photo tote, digital pic frame), scrapbooks, silk flower arrangements
• Offer them transportation: either you driving them or a taxi service
• Medical related items: a pillbox/organizer, medical emergency notification system
• Large-print books or large-faced playing cards with card-holder
• Home gadgets/electronics
1. Large faced clocks
2. Flashing light doorbell
3. Big numbered phone or cell phone; sound-amplifying phone
4. Tv remote control with large numbers
5. Talking bathroom scale or talking alarm clock
6. Electronic talking calculator
7. Lighted magnifier/flashlight
• Make or purchase a shawl or throw for warmth
• Keep them warm: A space heater or a donation to the gas or electric bill
• A box of special food goodies that meets their dietary restrictions
• A special class for seniors (ask local Office of the Aging) ex. Genealogy, exercise
• Books on CD; an IPod; dvd collection of old tv shows they used to watch
• Massaging back pillow or neck roll, or a gel seat cushion
• A new robe, or sweatpants & shirt…easy to put on with no fastenings; warm & comfortable
• Hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, lotions, lip balm
• Lap desk
Whatever you choose, be sure to make it a point to spend time with your senior and enjoy their company. Senior Helpers provides in-home care for seniors and can help take care of your loved one. Find out more at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/. Let’s make this a holiday season to remember!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Winter Tips for Seniors
The wintery weather has arrived! It is important to keep our seniors safe and healthy during the cold weather season, by taking some additional precautions and planning carefully. Check on your senior often, and consider the following chilly-weather tips:
• Dress warmly in loose-fitting clothes, in layers. Be sure to wear a hat & scarf. Mittens keep the hands warmer than gloves. Button or zip-up your coat.
• Watch out for frostbite and hypothermia, two of the biggest dangers for seniors in winter. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes, and noses. Look for numbness and a white cast to the skin, which indicate that warmth (not scalding) is required. To prevent hypothermia, keep the thermostat set at 65 degrees or above.
• Hold onto the railing when going down steps; sprinkle salt on them if it’s icy.
• Wear shoes that have a good rubber tread to avoid slips and falls.
• If using a cane, be sure the rubber tip is in good condition; if not, replace it.
• Always take your cell phone with you, in case of emergency
• Keep hydrated. Though it is easily forgotten, drinking water (6-8 glasses a day) is still important in the winter.
• Stock up on medications, food, and water. During periods of severe weather, seniors should not go out unless they absolutely have to.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks. Cold weather and exercise both put additional strain on the heart, so be careful and rest when tired.
• Protect your skin with heavier, more protective creams and lotions. Skin loses moisture in the colder months, causing dryness and itching.
Senior Helpers can help care for your loved ones in their home, visit us at www.seniorhelpers.com
• Dress warmly in loose-fitting clothes, in layers. Be sure to wear a hat & scarf. Mittens keep the hands warmer than gloves. Button or zip-up your coat.
• Watch out for frostbite and hypothermia, two of the biggest dangers for seniors in winter. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes, and noses. Look for numbness and a white cast to the skin, which indicate that warmth (not scalding) is required. To prevent hypothermia, keep the thermostat set at 65 degrees or above.
• Hold onto the railing when going down steps; sprinkle salt on them if it’s icy.
• Wear shoes that have a good rubber tread to avoid slips and falls.
• If using a cane, be sure the rubber tip is in good condition; if not, replace it.
• Always take your cell phone with you, in case of emergency
• Keep hydrated. Though it is easily forgotten, drinking water (6-8 glasses a day) is still important in the winter.
• Stock up on medications, food, and water. During periods of severe weather, seniors should not go out unless they absolutely have to.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks. Cold weather and exercise both put additional strain on the heart, so be careful and rest when tired.
• Protect your skin with heavier, more protective creams and lotions. Skin loses moisture in the colder months, causing dryness and itching.
Senior Helpers can help care for your loved ones in their home, visit us at www.seniorhelpers.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bathroom Safety for Seniors
For seniors with mobility issues and other physical disabilities, the bathroom can be a dangerous place. Sometimes creative adjustments need to be made to accommodate the elderly while keeping in mind their safety, ease of use, comfort, and easy accessibility. Bruising, broken bones, overmedication, burnt skin, and other physical trauma can result from negligence in bathroom safety. Most accidents that occur in the bathroom take place while the senior is getting in or out of the bathtub, making this a great place to concentrate our safety efforts.
The following are bathroom safety tips for seniors:
Put in a walk-in shower or walk-in tub: These are much safer, easier to access, and comfortable to use than a standard tub. They allow for easier bathing and washing.
Fitted shower seats: Seniors may need to sit down to allow them to bathe easily
Grab bars: Very important to install inside the shower, along the tub wall, and along the toilet wall
Use rubber bathmats or ones with suction cups to prevent slipping
Install an elevated toilet seat to prevent strain on the back
Install proper bathroom lighting: the elderly may have trouble seeing and may need a brighter light during the day as well as a nightlight at night. Make sure the light switches are low enough for the senior to reach easily.
Keep medications secure; seniors with memory loss can get confused and take something they shouldn't
Keep floors dry and use a non-skid floor wax (if at all); if using a throw rug, make sure it is slip-resistant
Set the temperature on the hot water heater low enough so that the senior cannot scald him- or herself
Avoid keeping sharp objects like razors or scissors in the bathroom
By taking the proper safety precautions, bathing and grooming can be a relaxing and safe time for the senior. Be sure to assist those with balance or mobility issues.
For more information on Senior Helpers and to find out more about local in-home care services, visit www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton or www.seniorcaredupage.com
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