Caring Companions Of Atlanta

Helping People Live With Dignity

470-514-5954

An Ounce of Prevention…

Hey friends!

We talk a lot in the older adult business about “resistance” and not wanting to admit one is losing their independence. We get it…look for a post specific to why older adults resist in a week or two. That being said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or a ton…or mega-ton!).

The thing is, a fall for a senior can spell disaster. It is one of the top three reasons older adults end up in the hospital. Fifty percent of people that break a hip over the age of 65 never end up back home. Mom…dad, ponder that.

My father asked me what I wanted for Christmas this past holiday season and my “ask” was that he see his doctor to get assessed for his fall risk. Get with a physical therapist to make sure he is exercising to lessen the likelihood of a fall and engage an occupational therapist to evaluate hi physical surroundings.

Class Helps Prevent Falls Among Seniors

I came across an article in the New York Times the other day that merits a share. It shares how seniors in the Netherlands are getting educated on how to deal with declining mobility issues and fall safely. The link is below:

NYT Article On Fall Classes in the Netherlands

I am happy to say that Santa delivered my holiday wish and I feel better about my dad living on his farm in SW Michigan.  My dad was a swimmer in his younger days (one year swam 365 miles at his health club!), and an avid camper and paddler. We took many float trips for days down rivers in the Ozarks camping along the way. I am not sure week-long canoe trips are in the cards with him in the near future, but at least I know he has done his part to be as safe as possible at home.

Happy reading friends!

Adam

Caring for the Family Caregiver

Caregiver in Roswell GA

Unless you’re right off the turnip truck, you know you need to care of yourself in order to care of others. Practically every online website, book, blog and newsletter is touting the same information.Caregiver-in-Roswell-GA And they’re right. The problem is, how can you, with the limited time you have, truly care for yourself while you care for others?

Time

It’s interesting how time works. When you’re doing one thing, but your mind is racing in a million different directions, the clock seems to bounce ahead. Before you know it, you’ve completed a task that should have taken 30 minutes in two hours. And your mind didn’t accomplish a darn thing. A wandering mind actually creates what most would rather leave behind: stress. Try this: for one day have the goal that every task you perform will be in a state of mindfulness. That means, when your mind starts to wander, as it will, you consciously bring it back to the present and to the task at hand. If you can do that for one day, you will truly be amazed at how much you accomplish. Your days will never be the same again.

Another time saver: if you take it out, put it back. If you open it, close it. If you take it off, put it away. In this manner, tasks are completed in the present moment, not days later when the pile of papers have toppled over or the laundry basket is bulging at the seams. Now that you have more time, decide what you want to do with it.

Free Time

Make a list. Without thinking about it, simply write down the first thought that comes to your mind when you focus on this question: What makes your heart sing? What brings a smile to your face that causes laugh lines that you don’t care about? If you could wake up in the morning and do anything, what would it be? If it’s take a walk in the park—schedule that in and do it. If it’s write a book—schedule that in and do it. Great books began with one paragraph and some writers craft a mere two to three pages a day. You’ve just written a book in 100 days. If it’s go to Hawaii and swim with the humpbacks—schedule that in and do it. You may have to schedule it for a year down the road, but it’s in writing and now you can implement a strategy so that it will come to fruition. In order to accomplish these desires, you will need one or two days a week when you can dream and do. If family or friends are unavailable to help with your parent, consider obtaining the services of a home care provider. They are professionals that you can trust to care for your parent while you care for yourself.

 

If you or an aging family member are considering hiring caregiver services in Roswell, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954 .

We provide quality non-medical services to our clients in their homes or in a facility if that’s where they live. Our staff is available for care plans for extensive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or as little as 4 hours per visit. Reach out to us, and one of our outstanding administrative staff will meet with potential clients to assist them and their families in designing an effective, personal plan of care.