Nina has been struggling to find the best caregiver for her 80-year old mother. Her mother’s health was slowly declining but Nina didn’t want her to be sent to a nursing home as she feared they wouldn’t pay too much attention to her mom. She wanted her mom to feel comfortable at home but needed some extra help doing so, even when Nina was not around.
COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms: How to Spot the Difference
By now, you have probably heard much about the SARS-coronavirus-2, or COVID-19, for short and most likely feel that you are aware of all that there is already to know about this infection. However, today we will be discussing the signs and symptoms of the virus in order to spot the differences, become aware and keep yourself and others safe.
How to Still Celebrate your Dad this Father’s Day, even while Social Distancing
Picture your usual Father’s day, what comes to mind? Perhaps a fun cookout, baseball game or even theme park visits may be some things that you typically expect to do on this day . Yet this year, things took a turn and the likelihood of all of those events have been canceled. Though some states have opened back up and even lifted their quarantine orders, the local businesses are still struggling as not many are back up to be running as usual. So, it is still really difficult to follow normal traditions that you usually have on this day.
The coronavirus has put a halt to many things this year, however, this shouldn’t stop you from acknowledging the father figure in your life. The special dad in your life should always be celebrated and so we compiled several ideas you can consider in order to still celebrate Father’s Day safely for both him and those around you during this pandemic.
If you are living with your father, that’s great! We will suggest some options that are readily available to you that you can consider in order to make this day special! But if you aren’t spending time with your father this holiday, there are plenty of virtual activities and options that you can participate in which will make the both of you feel happy that he is being acknowledged. Both are great ways to consider in order to make your dad feel loved and appreciated.
7 Ideas to Consider Recreating for Father’s Day:
#1. Create a Hearty Brunch or Deliver it to Him
What better way to start off a great day than with an awesome breakfast? Cook up a feast for the king himself, perhaps some of his favorites! Maybe it’s something as simple as scrambled eggs, or make it fancier by including some morning mimosas or bloody marys alongside with the delicious meal as it is a holiday after all. If you do not live with your father, deliver his meal to his home! Whether or not you make it yourself, he will love it either way.
#2. Plan a Game Night
Gamenights with dad are the perfect way to bring the family together. Play some chess, checkers, or other board games that the entire family enjoys. If you can physically be there with him, install some iPhone applications that allow you to connect with your family and friends and play together, even while you are all in your own homes. There are plenty of apps that allow for such interactive games to happen. Consider the app called HouseParty, where the entire family can join together on video call and simultaneously play fun games provided such as charades, guessing games and more!
#3. Host a Drive-By parade
Get the family to drive by your father’s home, if he doesn’t live with you! This is a perfect way to acknowledge him as it is exciting and shows how you think he is special! Maybe decorate your car in posters that read “Best Dad in the World!” or, if he’s a grandparent, make it “World’s Greatest Grandpa!” This will surely make him smile as it truly shows that you care about him.
#4. Try a Beer Tasting
Although he might not be able to visit his favorite breweries, this is the perfect chance to pick up some of his favorite beers and deliver it to his home and, with 6 feet between you both, you can enjoy some with your dad. This is a great way to support those local businesses as well, as they are constantly looking for more customers during these trying times.
#5. Try a Movie Night
Have him pick his favorite movie to watch, perhaps his childhood favorite or a film classic that he loved to watch while growing up. This day is about him and by watching some of his favorite movies, the family can connect even more so. If he’s not with you physically, try watching the film together over a Zoom or Skype call. The best part about video call is the fact that, sometimes, it really does feel like the other person is in the room with you.
#6. Deliver a gift to him
One way to certainly make him smile is to directly send him a gift that he has been wanting. Perhaps it’s a cool new tech gadget, or maybe it can be a bottle of his favorite wine. Another idea is to send in a picture frame of the two of you, or the entire family so that he can place it as decoration and always remember that he has you to rely on. Sending him a gift is one of the best ways to express your love to your father. It’s a great way of saying “thank you for raising me” as they have such a significant impact on our personal lives and development.
#7. Travel the world without actually having to leave your house!
Thankfully, the world of the internet has allowed us to explore unique places without having to actually leave our homes. You can take a virtual tour across the world to explore places that he has never seen before, places like The Louvre in Paris, The British Museum or even Walt Disney World! The best part about these tours is that you can see them all for free, which saves you quite the money if you were to actually see these sites in real life. However, due to these trying times, it’s great to know that you can still explore different places and celebrate your dad yet still continue to remain safe.
No matter where or not you are physically living with your father these days, it is important to still acknowledge him on Father’s Day even if the stay at home order is extended during that time. These ideas are here to give you the flexibility and convenience for you and your father, to give you both the ability to connect and continue to share your special moments together, no matter the crisis happening.
Dealing with Dementia Behaviors: Tips and Coping Mechanisms
When it comes to dementia, the common symptoms include anger, confusion and even depression. As a result of the dementia, sometimes these symptoms turn the patient into someone that is not like their usual self, making this disease one that is very challenging to cope with. However, by learning the proper tips and mechanisms, one can manage them better.
Common Symptoms and Behavioral traits:
Irritability is something that is common when a person has Alzheimer’s or another strain of dementia. There may not even be something that necessarily provokes the person to act this way, yet they may go in and out of confusion which can disorient them.
Here are the common behavioral traits and actions from someone with Dementia:
Aggression
The person may be lashing out unexpectedly, or overall just being mean, stubborn and angry. Sometimes they may say things like “No, I don’t want to eat that!” or “I don’t want to shower!”. This type of aggression, however, may lead to physical violence so it is important to know how to cope with it.
Confusion
At times, the person may feel confused and not sure of where they are physically located. They may sometimes say things like “Where are we?”, “Who are you?”, “I am not at home.” and/or other phrases that show a state of confusion. Additionally, they may feel paranoid and have frequent mood changes as a result of being confused.
Misjudgment
There may be times when the person with dementia thinks something was done to them poorly and they may make false accusations about it. Phrases like “You stole my purse!” or anything of that similar manner may reflect dementia. Other examples may include not calculating money correctly, hoarding, or even just repeating statements even after they were done.
Tips and Coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult behaviors
Managing dementia may be challenging, but not impossible. The ultimate truth to know when taking care of someone with dementia is that words carry a significant impact. With our words, it may escalate and lead to many unpleasant consequences as well as peaceful resolutions when it comes to dementia behavior.
We know it’s hard to cope with this on your own, if you struggle, our home health care service might be just a right solution for you.
#1. How to handle aggression
Aggression often derives from inner fear. Those with dementia are often very afraid and so they let out their fears by showing aggression, sometimes even through violence.
DO: try to figure out what is making them aggravated. By trying to figure out the reason, you can address the root of the problem directly. Perhaps they are in pain, or something might have triggered them to react this way? Whatever it is, try to ease that initial problem before as it may escalate to something worse. Sometimes even walking away may be the best option to give the person some space.
DON’T: engage in an argument with them or make them more aggressive. Restraining the person should not be done unless you are left with no choice and they are hurting you or themselves.
#2. How to manage confusion
DO: Give clear and simple explanations. Sometimes photos help by reassuring some facts and explaining situations. Be calm and supportive. Provide some reminders through alarms, calendar, post-it notes and more.
DON’T: Make a long and complicated explanation. Simple and cohesive explanations make the person feel safe.
#3. How to manage misjudgment
Accusations of stealing, hoarding or forgetting to do certain things tasks fall under misjudgment.
DO: note their actions and offer help subtlety. Breakdown a complicated task into fewer simpler tasks.
DON’T: Humiliate or blatantly question the person’s actions, this may increase their fears and possible aggression.
Dementia behaviors are difficult to deal with yet it is possible to manage. If you are looking for more tips on how to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia, don’t hesitate to seek out help.
Not sure about Home Care? Schedule a Virtual Consultation
One certain thing that came from this COVID-19 pandemic is that many businesses, as well as their customers, are more hesitant in making their decisions as well as interacting with others that are not healthcare related. Those most vulnerable to the virus may be tentative in reaching out to home care services. However, when it comes to home care, the providers have actually been able to significantly help while working the frontlines to those who need it most.
All Heart Home Care is taking extreme measures in order to both prevent and protect it’s clients as well as it’s personnel. They constantly provide effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all of their workers and make sure that everyone follows a proper procedure. With this, many home care services are supporting hospitals, as well as other nursing facilities, in order to assist and promptly attend to the needs of COVID-19.
Just like the rest of the world, home care agencies across the nation had to quickly adjust from this impact. However, it has proven that providers are a reliable and a safe way to keep a loved ones’ health from significantly declining. Patients and families are satisfied with their services as the home attendants are properly dressed with masks, gloves and other PPE in order to not further spread COVID-19. One of the increasing benefits of home care is the fact that by treating a person within their own home, there isn’t much additional contact as these one-on-one encounters significantly limit further exposure of the virus.
We are in a new world now, one that seems very unfamiliar to us all which often allows us to feel more intimidated and even scared. However, when it comes to home care, it is important that someone attends to the needs of the patients who need constant assistance and should not be visiting public nursing facilities during a time like this. As All Heart Homecare continues to supply it’s employees with the proper equipment and ensure their workers take on proper hygiene techniques, we have not experienced a situation where the COVID-19 has spread onto someone else and have been able to successfully care for and support our clients.
Virtual Consultation
Safety is our number one priority. We believe that everyone has a right to a healthy and comfortable lifestyle and that’s why we have made virtual consultations available to you, so that you will not have to worry about leaving your home and physically making a visit to our offices. For this consultation, we will answer all and any questions and give a thorough breakdown of the procedure and how your loved one will be taken care of as they are our first priority. To schedule a consultation, be sure to call us at 888-388-8989 or send an email to online@allheartcare.com.
6 ways to Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day, Even in the Wake of COVID-19
Mother’s day is the time in which we celebrate our moms and honor them in the best way possible, by being close to them. However, celebrating Mother’s Day is becoming more challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arthritis Awareness Month
Arthritis is one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States. It affects about one in four adults overall. That’s over 54 million men and women. To recognize this toll on Americans’ health, CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners observe Arthritis Awareness Month in May.
Surgical Masks, N95 Respirators and Home Made Masks Against COVID-19
Wearing masks or face coverings has become the new normal a while ago. Last week it has grown to a governmental requirement for a growing number of states, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
VIDEO: How to Use a Medical Mask
See the video on How to Use a Medical Mask
6 Uplifting and Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers
With everything happening around the world, sometimes it feels like we are just drowning in negativity as the news constantly presses the worst reality that is happening globally.
