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Tips for Being a Successful Caregiver

March 31, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

It is no secret that many older people suffer from serious illnesses or health problems. According to official figures, nearly half of all American adults have at least one chronic condition. This suggests that the care of a caregiver, family member, or friend is critical in maintaining an older adult’s health.

If you think that caring for the elderly is a simple and uncomplicated task, this is not the case. It all depends on the type of illness and the number of hours you need to spend with an older person to ensure the proper care level.

We have consulted with several experienced caregivers and prepared some vital tips. This will allow you to raise your level of professionalism and even become a “care champion.”

Develop Inner Confidence

If a loved one is undergoing long-term treatment, explain what benefits can be obtained at the end of the treatment course. You should also constantly remind the older adults that treatment or rehabilitation will help them cope with the disease and return to normal life.

Divide Difficulties into Smaller Parts

Don’t try to turn to your views by raising your voice. For example, if an older person has a low appetite due to chemotherapy, try to explain that a glass of water or a few soup sips are vital to maintaining a water balance. Thus, the body receives the necessary fluid that allows you to restore strength.

If a person has a stroke or a problem with mobility, then you should always be near to help get to the right place. It will not be superfluous to explain to your loved one that it is normal to ask you for help to get to the bathroom.

Don’t Forget About Engagement

If a loved one refuses to take medication, then try to encourage him/her by offering a short evening walk in turn. Keep in mind that these offers shouldn’t be a single case. Besides, rewards should be realistic and motivate the older person to take actions that help maintain health.

Also, remind a senior of the previous successes. For example, if a patient refuses to take food and medicine, you should not raise your voice and argue for no reason. Instead, remind the patient that he/she already took the drug yesterday and therefore may repeat the same thing today.

Appreciation Is the Heart of the Issue

Suppose you are caring for a patient undergoing chemotherapy or other complex treatment. In that case, the best way to show support is to demonstrate that you understand the situation’s complexity. Just sit and talk with the patient before starting the treatment to distract him/her a little from the process ahead.

Take the initiative

Do not expect that a loved one or patient will always turn to you for help every time they need it. Sometimes the feeling of pain or a depressed inner state can be simply unbearable. So take the initiative and ask how you can help the patient right now.

Be Health Conscious

As you start caring for an older person, you will notice that this process directly affects your emotional state. Day after day, you may feel more and more stressed.

If you leave everything as it is, then depression and nervous breakdowns can become inevitable. To avoid such gloomy implications, you should think about what things or actions will help you stay happy and healthy. Perhaps taking a daily evening walk or talking to family members can help relieve emotional stress.

What should I do if I am not confident in my abilities?

Far from all of us have the necessary skill set to look after a loved one. Moreover, if you have a job, you are unlikely to devote the required hours to take care of a close person or control medication.

In this case, the only solution is to contact All Heart Homecare – a professional home care agency. Our specialists have vast experience and know precisely how to help an older adult cope with even the most complex diseases. By contacting our company, you will entrust the health of your loved one to real professionals.

Today, our home care services include, but are not limited to:

  • Personal care
  • Light housekeeping
  • Companionship
  • Meal preparation
  • Running errands
  • Help with grocery shopping
  • Help with doing laundry
  • Medication reminders
  • Appointment assistance
  • Safety supervision

Call us at 888-388-8989, and we will find a professional caregiver in a matter of minutes.

7 Brain-Boosting Foods for People of All Ages

March 31, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

Many of you have probably heard that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are inextricably linked. In other words, your daily diet affects your cognitive and physical health.

Since the brain’s aging process is inevitable, it is best to take care of the proper diet in advance and choose the perfect one to avoid cognitive decline.

Today’s article will allow you to revise your own diet or the diet of older family members and apply several changes to improve brain processes.

Ideal Brain Foods: Improve Your Diet Hands Down

You probably already know that certain foods can significantly strengthen the health of your brain. For example, eating fish can improve brain processes in young and older people – it’s a proven fact. However, fish is far from the only ingredient that can provide the brain with the energy it needs.

Here are the top 7 foods that can strengthen your brain:

Whole Grain Products

Whole grains are a broad group of food ingredients that include wheat, rye, oats (oatmeal), corn, spelled barley, brown rice, etc.

Use one of these ingredients to diversify your diet and get the nutrients you need. Keep in mind that whole grains are one of the primary sources of vitamin E. It is a beneficial antioxidant that has a positive effect on brain health.

Berries

If you analyze all the berries available in the supermarket, then blueberries rank first for their antioxidant properties. However, this is far from the only berry that can enhance the cognitive functions of the brain. For example, you can also eat strawberries or blackberries. They can speed up brain processes and maintain brain health.

Olive oil

Several studies show that olive oil in the daily diet helps fight the proteins that cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Use extra virgin olive oil in cooking or salad dressing to boost cognitive performance. It is noteworthy that olive oil is also one of the most essential components of the Mediterranean and Mind diets. Both diets were designed to improve brain health and cognitive performance.

Coffee

Nowadays, you can easily find a vast amount of research that proves that coffee can help the brain process information. Consuming coffee can reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction and have a positive effect on the human body. However, keep in mind that too much caffeine can negatively affect your heart or cause insomnia.

Dark chocolate

This is one of the most important sources of antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative stress that can trigger cognitive decline. Try to consume chocolate in the morning and not indulge yourself with a sweet treat after a late dinner.

Nuts and seeds

You instantly saturate the body with such an essential component as vitamin E by snacking nuts or seeds. Besides, most seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which positively affect brain and heart muscle functioning. It is advisable to give preference to raw and unsalted nuts. This way, you can avoid the excess sodium found in salt.

Spinach and leafy greens

Large leafy greens are one of the essential ingredients of the Mind diet. Be sure to use spinach and or kale leaves to saturate your body with the necessary amount of vitamin E, folate, and other vitamins and minerals.

All Heart Homecare Advise Clients to Eat Well Every Day

Our caregivers help hundreds of New York City seniors experience the highest quality of life every day. We are committed to a balanced diet, which is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy lifestyle.

What’s more, our specialists have vast experience in home care and help the elderly in:

  • Personal care
  • Light housekeeping
  • Companionship
  • Meal preparation
  • Running errands
  • Help with grocery shopping
  • Help with doing laundry
  • Medication reminders
  • Appointment assistance
  • Safety supervision

If you are interested in additional information about our services or if you want to help your loved ones, then Call Us at 888-388-8989 right away!

What is Ramadan? 

March 31, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

Ramadan is a holiday that Muslims celebrate every year. Ramadan 2021 begins at sunset on Monday, April 12, and ends on Wednesday, May 12.

For 30 days, Muslims fast during daylight hours and thus adhere to one of the five pillars of faith. Fasting allows Muslims to eat before sunrise and after sunset every day.

This holiday is also notable because, during the month, Muslims strive to practice “zakat,” – charity, which is also one of the five pillars of Islam.

According to Arabic etymology, the word Ramadan literally means extreme heat. Thus, fasting becomes a spiritual process where Muslims can burn their sins through good deeds.

Ramadan is celebrated as the month during which is said that the Prophet Muhammad received from God the initial revelations of what became the Quran – the holy book for Muslims.

For those who celebrate, Happy Ramadan!

Things You Can Do with Your Loved One this Easter

March 31, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

Easter is around the corner, however, as COVID-19 is still an underlying issue, consider these activities to keep older adults at less of a risk of becoming ill. These tips allow you and your loved one to continue to celebrate Easter, without having to leave the house. 

Stick to Your Traditions- Cook a Favorite meal

Perhaps your Easter traditions include enjoying a traditional meal together with your family. To keep that going, cook that traditional meal but also consider the following so that you and your loved ones remain safe.

Rather than inviting a lot of people in joint celebration, consider hosting only a few in which you are sure have had few contact with others, or if they have been vaccinated.

In terms of cooking, plan out exactly what meals you would want to serve and keep in mind any and all dietary restrictions that your guests may have. Preparing a few days in advance is very helpful in this manner to keep things simple and stress-free when it comes to the actual day. 

Bake Something Special

There’s nothing better than having some special desserts freshly baked for a holiday. You can even have this as a family activity as it is engaging and fun to do for people of all ages. Some ideas include baking Easter-shaped cookies or a carrot cake and decorating it together.

Color Easter Eggs

This activity is one for all ages and is great for bringing the family in on the Easter Holiday. Many coloring kits are available in pharmacy stores or, you can boil and use food coloring to get the color that you desire. Many also buy washable paint and create designs and patterns on the eggs to give a festive and creative look.

Easter Egg Hunt

One of the best ways to spend some quality time and make countless new memories is by having the entire family involved when it comes to holidays. One common and fun activity is hosting or attending an Easter Egg Hunt. This is especially common activity for children, however, there is no reason adults won’t enjoy it just as much!

When planning out the Easter egg hunt, be sure to hide the eggs prior to the game or while the other contestants are blindfolded, in an attainable place, to make sure they do not ruin the fun for themselves!

No matter what you end up doing on Easter, the most important thing is to have fun and stay safe. If you or your loved one needs friendly company, we would happily help with that! All Heart Homecare Agency provides elderly care assistance and supports the elderly in need. Whether that be in their every day lives or just companionship, All Heart Home Care is happy to help. 

A Comprehensive Guide to COVID-19 VACCINE in NYC

March 31, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

We live in difficult times, and Covid-19 has made its own adjustments in the  lives of every American. Right now, thousands of people eligible for vaccination are forced to wait in line. Some believe that to get a shot one will take a lot of diligence and a bit of luck.

Is it really so?

If you are an active user of social media, you have probably noticed that many people are texting in Facebook groups and trying to get vaccinated ASAP.

Thanks to the authorities’ coordinated actions, New Yorkers have a sufficient number of official websites and phone numbers to track their place in the queue.

However, at every step, you may face more and more questions, including:

  • “How Best to Book a Slot?”
  • “What Happens When I Arrive for an Appointment?”
  • “What Might Happen If I Just Show Up Without One?”

Let’s answer the hottest questions for seniors in New York!

Who Can Get the Vaccine First?

You’ve probably heard that the first doses of the vaccine are intended for medical personnel, residents in nursing homes, workers of important social professions (police officers, teachers, and cashiers). But now, people aged 16+ may go and schedule an appointment for their vaccine after April 6th, 2021. 

For the most updated eligibility of the vaccine, please visit the New York Department of Health COVID-19: Vaccine Eligibility site. 

Can I Get a Vaccine If I Am Under 65?

Yes, people aged 16 + are eligible to get vaccinated after April 6th, 2021. Mayor Bill de Blasio has officially announced that this group may be included in the vaccination wave.

In addition to this, government officials, people working in the department of education, or Group Living Facility Residents and Staff, and essential in-person public-facing building service workers.

How Much Does the Vaccine Cost?

According to the information on the official website of the city, the vaccine is absolutely free. You may need to fill out additional forms and indicate if you have insurance.

Do I Have to Be a New Yorker to Get Access to A Vaccine?

No, this is not at all necessary. There are over 50 vaccination sites in NYC, including at the Javits Center and many local pharmacies.  Simply put, nonresidents and those who live outside the state, but work in the city, are eligible for vaccinations in the city center.

However, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recommendation states that nonresidents should refrain from traveling to the city to receive the vaccine. The best solution would be to get vaccinated in your communities. Check where you can be vaccinated here. 

What Else Should I Know Before Getting Vaccinated?

The vaccination queue passes very quickly. Besides, places where you can get vaccinated, can appear out of the blue and then disappear within a few hours. The great thing is that with appointments, the process flies by. With daily updates, the more people are eligible, moving us one step closer to a safer world. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us about more information on where and how you can get vaccinated. At All Heart Homecare, the health of our employees and patients is our priority, and with these tips, we hope that we can all go back to the world we used to know and love. 

3 Funny Things You Might Not Know About Passover

March 1, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

Passover or Pesach is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. For practicing Jews, the holiday marks the Exodus of the Children of Israel from Ancient Egypt. This year the holiday is celebrated from March 27 – April 4.

Here are some interesting Pesach facts you might never hear of:

  1. Some large companies make special kosher foods and drinks for this holiday. It concerns large brands that use kosher ingredients to prepare various foods, from chocolate syrup to cake mixes. The most famous case, however, is the Coca-Cola company. Once the company switched to high fructose corn syrup. This resulted in an issue for Ashkenazi Jews. Today, the brand releases a special bottle with a yellow cap, which is certified kosher and is excellent for this holiday.
  2. Believe it or not, the best matzo flour is made in Arizona. You may not have known, but one of the most challenging technological processes in preparing matzo is keeping the flour dry. Any water risks converting flour into chametz. According to The New York Times article, the most suitable wheat for matzo is found in southwestern Arizona’s arid regions.
  3. Animals also receive special food during all the days of Passover. More importantly, apartments must be free of chametz, and there can be no benefit derived from it. Therefore, pet owners need to use appropriate pet food. Some Rabbinical authorities propose switching out a pet’s diet for a few days. For example, if you own a dog, you can use raw meat to feed your pet. For herbivores, you can choose a variety of approved vegetables.

There are countless interesting facts about this holiday, and if you or your client are familiar with this holiday, share some of these fun facts with them!

To those who celebrate, may this Passover bring you peace, happiness, love, and every blessing from above. Happy Passover!

Donation drive in All Heart Homecare Agency

All Heart Caregivers Donate To Chesed Center: THANK YOU!

March 1, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have”– Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn couldn’t have said it any better himself. When we give to others, we receive even more. The act of giving is so powerful that it quite literally can change someone’s life. It opens the door for more blessings in personal lives, and we are a personal testament to that!

This past month, we donated to the Chesed Center, a nonprofit organization that supports those in need, and the outcome was excellent! So many caregivers and staff brought in something that they can give to this organization, and we are so grateful that we alone can make such an impact in other people’s lives with this simple gesture.

Thank you to all those who came to the office to donate, we couldn’t be more appreciative of your hearts! You are an inspiration, and we are ecstatic to have such generous people on our team.
If you are looking to join a team that truly cares about others, look no further than joining ours! Be sure to contact us at 888-388-8989 or send us a message at online@allheartcare.com for more information.

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 1, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

March 8th is International women’s day, a day in which we honor and celebrate the women in our lives. For many people, this day means different things but overall the purpose is to celebrate the power women hold. 

One of the main focuses is on equality. Throughout the centuries, women have built the foundation for a better future for all, whether it be within their communities or for their children.  This international holiday draws attention to equality and achievement for all. 

This day serves as a powerful platform to unify the gender parity while celebrating the achievements that were made possible by women. 

On this day, we honor the amazing, strong women in our lives. May we know them. May we Be them. May we raise them. Happy International Women’s Day!

What to Consume and What to Avoid for Senior Diets

March 1, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

A balanced maintenance diet is of particular importance for staying healthy as you get older. The wholesome nutrients will help you preserve skin vibrancy, remain energized, and fill up your body with essential nutrients. This is a great way to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.

A balanced diet is the cornerstone of a fast healing process. As a result, an increasing number of caregivers place great importance on a proper diet when caring for elderly patients.

Imagine that according to the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging, 1 in 4 older people in the US has poor nutrition. Besides, malnutrition carries the risk of uncontrolled weight gain or underweight. One way or another, this process can be very detrimental to the loved one’s body and lead to muscle tissue weakening. It can also negatively affect immunity and make a person vulnerable to disease.

To meet senior’s nutritional needs, you need to heed the advice of professional caregivers who have years of experience in preparing food for the elderly.

5 Tips to Right Eating in Old Age

Let’s take a look at a few essential tips about the healthiest foods for seniors and which ingredients to eliminate from senior’s daily diets. 

Here are 5 tips to help you find the most beneficial elderly care products:

  1. Today, “MyPlate” is the latest nutrition guide from the USDA (the United States Department of Agriculture). It includes the 5 most important components that should be added to the daily diet of every person. These ingredients include grains, vegetables, fruits, percent protein, and dairy products.
  2. Strike the right balance to get the right amount of nutrients on your plate. The USDA recommends the following ratio of ingredients: 30% grains, 40% vegetables, 10% fruits, and 20% protein.
  3. Make it a routine to read the nutrition facts label. Remember, the healthiest foods are whole foods. When it comes to packaged food, then it is better to be a smart shopper. Check the product label to ensure the product you choose is low in fat, added sugars, or sodium.
  4. Don’t go too far in recommended servings. To maintain the correct weight, older people need to eat the amount of food appropriate for their age and body weight.
  5. Keep an eye on the right water balance. Water is also an essential nutrient in an older person’s daily diet. Be sure to keep track of the amount of fluid your client consumes during the day. In most cases, you need to keep fluids with sugar and salt at a minimum.

Widespread Foods Seniors Should Avoid

There is also a list of foods that should be excluded from the diet of a loved one. Here are 5 foods that you definitely shouldn’t eat in old age:

  1. Cheese is often considered a healthy dairy product that supplies the body with calcium and other vital components. However, things are different when it comes to soft cheeses, including brie, camembert, and gorgonzola. These cheeses are low in acidity and store in relatively high humidity. Such storage conditions can provoke the appearance of Listeria and other bugs. In any case, the foods can affect the weakened immune system of an older adult.
  2. Undercooked eggs can cause food poisoning for a loved one. Keep in mind that all eggs must be boiled until the white and yolk harden. By the way, you also should avoid homemade mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce – as they may contain partially undercooked eggs.
  3. Raw seafood, including lobster, scallops, or shellfish, must be cooked before consumption. This is necessary to kill all harmful bacteria and parasites that can provoke a variety of diseases. If the older person loves sushi, make sure the fish fillets have been frozen for at least 4 days. Cold is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria once and for all.
  4. Perhaps raw milk is a healthier product than the pasteurized one that you can buy at any supermarket. On the other hand, unpasteurized dairy can contain various disease-causing bacteria that can trigger food poisoning.
  5. Grapefruit is also an undesirable food ingredient that is contraindicated in older people taking medication for high blood pressure. Make sure to contact a healthcare professional before adding it to a senior’s daily diet. This fruit can interfere with individual medicinal components and cause serious side effects.

Final Word

If you are looking to take care of an older person, pay due attention to a balanced diet and proper eating habits. If an older adult has a gastrointestinal disorder, it is best to consult with a licensed dietitian or healthcare practitioner to draw up an appropriate meal plan.

If you are looking for a professional caregiver for your loved one, look no further than All Heart Homecare Agency. Our agency has been offering affordable home care services for over 9 years and helps 1000+ clients every day. Call Us at  888-388-8989 and get a free consultation straight away.

Daily Reminders for Keeping your Patient safe

March 1, 2021 Oleg Fedosov

March 14–20, we celebrate “Patient Safety Awareness Week” which is a landmark event for both caregivers and patients. The fact is that ensuring the safety of customers is one of the critical parameters of providing quality home care.

At first glance, a home environment is a safe place where an older adult can regain health and independence. However, if a caregiver neglects basic patient safety rules, then this can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, if you are working as a caregiver, pay attention to the treatment plan and always prioritize safety measures.

Today, there are a fair number of safety measures that can be used by Home Health Aides (HHAs). Let’s dwell on a few of the most important nuances that will come in handy for a novice caregiver.

Falls Prevention

Falling is one of the most common causes of injury an older person can experience at home. The number of falls has approached the mark of 2 million cases per year. Therefore, knowing how to prevent the risk of falling is crucial information for HHAs.

Home care experts recommend examining all parts of the home to determine which area could put a patient at risk. Experienced caregivers also point out that the kitchen and bath are the most dangerous places. A fall may happen due to slippery floors, spills, pieces of furniture, and so on. Below are some tips on how to keep these rooms safe.

Tips for a safe kitchen:

  1. Make sure sharp knives and glassware are stored in a safe box.
  2. Keep most commonly used kitchen items accessible so that an older person does not have to use a chair to reach them.
  3. Remove all cleaning products or flammable liquids from the kitchen and store them in closed cabinets.

Tips for a safe bathroom:

  1. Buy non-slip rubber mats and place them in the bathroom or shower floor.
  2. Keep medicines in a safe and easily accessible place if an older adult has to take them independently.
  3. Inform family members of they need to install a grab bar near the toilet and shower. This is a necessary step, mostly if a caregiver cares for a loved one who may have trouble standing up or sitting down.

Caregiver Must Act as a Direct Link Between Seniors and Their Physicians

It often happens that a caregiver should look after a patient and make notes about possible changes in the state of health. If your patient intermittently experiences abnormal pain, dizziness, or high blood pressure, you should act as a coupling agent between a patient and a doctor.

Recording irregular symptoms as well as taking timely actions are essential components of client safety. Communicating with a healthcare provider on behalf of a patient can help prevent possible injury, ill health, or hospitalization.

Take Care of Medication Management

According to official figures, nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug. These data suggest that drug control is an essential component for the health safety of the elderly. It won’t hurt you to inform a client and family members about the medication’s possible side effects. This is necessary so that the person understands whether the impact of taking medicine is positive or negative.

All Heart Homecare Agency staff is dedicated to keeping seniors safe in their homes. We assist people’s efforts to regain optimal health and independence. Currently, our agency, with 98% positive reviews on Google Maps, offers a wide range of home care services, including:

  • Personal care.
  • Light housekeeping.
  • Companionship.
  • Meal preparation.
  • Running errands.
  • Grocery shopping.
  • Help with doing laundry.
  • Medication reminders.
  • Appointment assistance.
  • Safety supervision.

If your loved one needs to benefit from one of these services, Call Us today at 888-388-8989 to discuss the application process and other nuances.

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