Caregiving

Staying In Touch With Technology While Caregiving in Houston

This entry was posted in Caregiving and tagged assisted living, caregiver, caregiving, elder care, elder home car, home care, in home care, senior car, senior home care on January 22, 2018 by Terri Robbins.

Technologies Houston Caregiver Agencies Are Using

There are a number of studies that show socializing with family and friends can have a positive impact on the health and longevity of seniors. One study performed in 2012 discovered that staying socially engaged was just as important as other healthy living habits when it came to healthy aging. The study involved 100 centenarians and was conducted by UnitedHealthcare.

However, some people don’t like to meet others in person. Thankfully, technology offers a number of solutions. Below are different ways Houston caregiver agencies are staying in touch with technology.

Video Chat/Social Media

Seniors can use social media to stay connected. Sharing thoughts and comments via Twitter and Facebook is a trend that is continuing to grow in the senior community. This is something that should be encouraged.

It’s a good idea to set up a Nucleus intercom system. It’s easy to use and it is a device that is senior-friendly. This device lets people video chat with anyone in the family, if they have their own device or if they have the app. All it takes is pressing one button for an older adult to get in touch with family.

Use Video Games

Using videos games can help seniors keep both their body and mind active. Video games are fun too. This is one of the reasons seniors should play them.

Furthermore, playing video games may improve vision. In one study, it showed that seniors with cataracts reported an improvement in their eyesight after they’ve played Call of Duty and other first-person shooting games. The seniors’ eyes strengthen because of rapid eye movement and because the focus was required. A Houston caregiver should add games to their clients weekly or daily routine.

Use Apps For Tracking Medication

A key aspect of caregiving is allowing seniors to live independently, and part of maintaining independence is taking medications when they’re supposed to be taken. Caregivers should consider using an app that can help seniors track medications. Seniors will love using such an app.

However, finding the right app isn’t that easy. This is because there are so many other there. The good news is this task doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Over 270 medication tracking apps were looked at by the University of Sydney. They narrow down their list.

Medisafe Pill Reminder & Medication Tracker made the list. So did Alar Meds. The other two that made it to the top included MedicineList+ and My Heart My Life.

Are you a Houston caregiver and are you thinking of using technology because if you are, then consider some of the technology discussed above. Maybe you’re already using technology. If you are, then what are you using and what do you recommend using because we would love to know more about them.

For more insight, visit our blog. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or contact us today!

Letting Your Grandparents Know How Much They Mean To You

This entry was posted in Assisted Living, Caregiving, Grandparents Day, In Home Care and tagged assisted living, elder care, elder in home care, gandparents day, in home care, national grandparents day on September 13, 2017 by Terri Robbins.

How You Can Honor Your Grandparents!

Our great nation has evolved to the country we love today thanks to millions of older Americans who have made great sacrifices through the decades. Unfortunately, younger people don’t always have the time or the inclination to show that we appreciate all that older generations have done for us.

Every September, we’re given an opportunity to show that we care by taking part in Grandparents’ Day! This year, Grandparents’ Day fell on a Sunday on September 10th. If you had not already made plans, these are some of the activities that you can share with your grandparents or other seniors who may not have immediate family members.

Activities To Share With Grandparents

Plant a tree together: Trees have long been seen as symbols of longevity, life, and legacy. What better way to honor your relationship with a grandparent than to plant a tree together? As the tree matures from a sapling, it becomes a lasting testament to the love you share. Not to mention, trees can benefit people for generations to come!
Help clean up the community together: If your community has a regular clean up day you can participate in, sign up with a grandparent and help keep the community free of trash and debris. If no such a day exists, you can still work together on a designated day to give nature a helping hand and to collect trash while bonding.
Find somewhere to volunteer together: Volunteering is not only great for senior mental health, but it can bridge the gap between different generations. Find a place where you and a grandparent can volunteer together such as a food pantry, church, hospital or an animal shelter.
Grab lunch with a grandparent: Many restaurants and cafes participate in Grandparents’ Day and show their appreciation of older generations by offering free coffee or food. Join your loved ones and invite your grandparents to such a restaurant or cafe to enjoy a meal together. It’s a great way to support a local business and show your love.

Help Your Grandparents Get The Care They Need!

Caring for your grandparents shouldn’t just be on Grandparents’ Day but every day of the year. If your grandparent needs help, consider talking about elder caregiving in Houston. Assisting Hands Houston is a community of seniors where every day is a chance to share the knowledge of generations with younger people and to enjoy a variety of exciting activities. Our community is wholly based on a personal approach where staff and family members regularly interact to give the care that seniors need.

It’s important for younger generations to learn from older generations. Assisting Hands Houston aids in providing seniors and young people the ability to interact in different social settings such as classrooms and through a multitude of activities. Regular school visits are scheduled where children and seniors can share their life experiences.

Get Educated!

Whether a loved one needs care or you’d like to volunteer, you can learn more about Assisting Hands Houston by calling us today at 281-540-7400 or by contacting us here. Our dedicated staff members can help answer all of your questions and provide you with volunteer opportunities.

A Short Guide To Feeling Good While Aging

This entry was posted in Caregiving and tagged active social life, caregiver, caregivers, caregiving, smart food choices, social life, tips for aging on September 5, 2017 by Terri Robbins.

How To Look And Feel Amazing As You Age

Until someone stumbles upon the legendary Fountain of Youth, there is no way to avoid getting older. There are, however, some things that you can do that can minimize the effects of aging on your body and your mind, helping you to look and feel amazing as you age.

It goes without saying that one of the cornerstones to better health as you get older is to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips that you can use to look and feel your absolute best regardless of your age.

The Keys To Aging Gracefully

Scientists have discovered quite a few different techniques that you can use to slow down the aging process. Try using some of these suggestions to feel as young and attractive as possible:

1. Maintain an active social life.

Studies have shown that socializing with friends can actually increase your lifespan. Enjoying companionship and finding ways to laugh with others can boost your mood and can help keep depression at bay. Socializing can become more difficult as you age, simply because you may not be working or participating in as many activities as you did when you were younger.

Fortunately, there are some ways that you can get more socially active. One way is to look for groups in your area that you can join. If you are Internet-savvy, there are plenty of websites that you can use to search for groups of people who meet in your area who also share your interests. Going to church provides another opportunity to meet new people. You can also look into volunteering. Not only does it give you a chance to help others but it also allows you to meet people who are as committed to improving your community as you are.

Socializing can provide countless benefits. In addition to lengthening your lifespan, it can also help you get more out of your life. After all, living is all about having fun and enjoying yourself. Regular socializing rivals exercise in terms of the positive impact that it can have on your physical and mental health.

2. Get moving.

Exercising can do wonders for your body and your mind as you age. Along with helping you maintain a healthy weight, it can also reduce hormone levels in your body that are associated with stress.

Don’t feel like the only way to exercise is to run on a treadmill or to lift weights. There are plenty of things that you can do in your everyday life that can get your heart pumping. Taking a walk, signing up for a local yoga class, or digging in your garden can all positively impact your health by keeping you active.

3. Make smart food choices.

The food that you eat can have a major impact on your overall level of health as well as on your appearance. It is easy to fall into the habit of eating junk food. However, if you can incorporate healthier foods into your diet, your energy levels will naturally increase, making it easier to get through the day with enthusiasm. You may also notice improvements in your skin, hair, and nails when you get the nutrition that you need.

Eating right can also minimize the risk of age-related problems like osteoporosis. If you aren’t sure what you should be eating, the USDA publishes a lot of helpful information that you can use to design a healthy diet that will give you the energy that you need.

Please call us today or contact Assisting Hands Houston today for more information on the best caregivers in Houston!

How To Prevent Sibling Rivalry As A Caregiver

This entry was posted in Caregiving, Elder In Home Care, In Home Care and tagged being a caregiver, caregiver, caregiving, elder in home care, how to caregive, in home care, managing sibling rivalry on September 5, 2017 by Terri Robbins.

How To Manage Sibling Rivalry While You Are Caregiving

Assisting Hands Houston | Being A Caregiver in Houston TX When aging parents start experiencing health problems requiring caregiving, issues of sibling rivalry can arise.

Despite everybody’s best intentions, they can sabotage all of the efforts made to offer good care.

The key to making sure this extra stress is avoided as well as major family conflicts, is to learn how to manage sibling conflicts before they cause serious problems.

Conflicts among siblings frequently originate in childhood. This can make it tricky to work them out. Even those adults who believe they have been able to leave their old feelings in the past frequently find them resurfacing whenever family pressures start to intensify.

Old Rivalries May Be Replaced By New Family Dynamics

Fortunately, there are several potential pathways that can be taken to improve the relationships you have with your siblings. Finding the one that will work best for your specific situation is the key.

The following are a couple of suggestions from family relationship experts.

1. Maintain A Good Perspective On What Is Important

Sibling rivalry can increase stress levels noticeably for everybody, including your parents. Health and Houston caregivers issues that are associated with aging already have the potential to increase stress levels, but when sibling rivalry is added to the mix it can raise levels of toxicity even more.

Your sibling fights can potentially become another health problems for the very individual you are trying to help!

Try to take a step back and remember what is most important and what is at stake: the safety and health of your parent. When you stop to do that it may make it easier for you to resolve the problems you are having with your siblings.

2. Realize That Stakes Are Also High In Other Ways

AARP clinical psychologist and family therapist Barry J. Jacobs, states that the way people behave during the caregiving process remains with you all of your life. So those years of caregiving may set the tone for the way you get along with your siblings long after your parent has passed.

3. Keep Your Communication Open

When there are strong emotions involved it can be hard to keep communication open and clear. It is also very difficult to keep everybody informed when you have siblings living all across the country. You need to make your best effort to keep in touch since poor communication can make relations tense.

In these types of situations, one of the biggest complaints is that one sibling will feel disrespected or hurt when they discover that a decision has been made without their input. Frequently, medical conditions may suddenly arise, and somebody may forget to inform a sibling that lives far away.

To help avoid these kinds of potential family conflicts, plan for better communication.

4. Do Some Planning To Be Proactive

A small bit of planning can really go a long way. The best time to discuss caregiving responsibilities and roles before there is a major crisis. The most effective way to ensure that there is a good collaboration between sibling is decide which caregiving roles, if any, should be outsourced and divide up tasks and responsibilities between siblings ahead of time.

It is also essential to plan the financial aspects of your family caregiving. Financial factors associated with caregiving can potentially be a major source of conflict among siblings. Make sure to discuss and plan this aspect of caregiving with your siblings.

Consider Getting Help For Your Caregiving

Whenever an issue arises that none of your family members feel confident in handling, you should consider getting outside help. Assisting Hands Houston is able to help with issues such as how senior living can be financed or assisting when the main caregiver is going on vacation.

Give us a call today or contact us to learn about what Houston caregivers services we offer for short-term visitors or speak with one of our residents at Assisting Hands Houston to find out how they enjoy being a full-time resident with an Assisting Hands Houston caregiver.