The National Do Not Call Registry is a great way to safeguard seniors in Bakersfield from unwanted telemarketing calls. While most telemarketers are from legitimate companies offering real services, seniors face a very tangible risk from talking to telemarketers; they might be won over by the callers charms and make unwanted purchases that can drain their finances.

Registering a senior from Bakersfield for the National Do Not Call Registry is quite simple; it can be completed online or by phone by providing a home phone number or cell phone number. Once a phone number has been placed on the Do Not Call list, it requires approximately 30 days to take effect. If a senior continues to receive calls from telemarketers once their name and phone number has been placed on the registry, a complaint can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission. Some telemarketers are exempt from the Do Not Call list, including those from companies that an elderly person already does business with; for example, the financial institution where they have accounts.

Speak to the older adults in your life about registering for the National Do Not Call Registry to save them from hassles and protect them from exploitation.

Sources:
1.    Federal Trade Commission
2.    DoNotCall

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

While you may have noticed changes in your cognitive processes, receiving a diagnosis that you have dementia may turn your world upside down. While it may seem like your whole life will become consumed by the grief that comes with the diagnosis, dementia is something that you can manage to cope with so it doesn’t’ take over your life. You need to be aware that dementia may be caused by a variety of different ailments including depression, excessive drinking, stroke and sometimes can be a temporary condition.  Dementia therefore does not always precede Alzheimers and the two are not the same disease.

When you first learn you have dementia, take the opportunity to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to better understand the disease and how you can cope with it. Join a Bakersfield support group for senior dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferers if you feel that would be beneficial, read up on dementia online, and talk to your doctor about what to expect. Get your affairs in order, from your finances to a living will and talk to your family about your wishes for the future as the dementia progresses. Since routine tasks may become more challenging with dementia, to reduce stress, choose activities that are less demanding; including career-based responsibilities and even hobbies. Don’t get yourself down if you can’t do things like you used to; instead focus on the contributions that you’re making to your family and your community.

Seniors with dementia will also boost their spirits by maintaining as much independence as possible. Living independently at home with assistance from a Bakersfield professional or family caregiver will help you to maintain the lifestyle you’re accustomed to.

Sources:
1.    Alzheimer’s Society UK
2.    DementiaGuide

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

While you will never get the comforts of home during a hospital stay, being well-prepared with the items you will need for a hospital visit will help make your time in the hospital more tolerable and even comfortable. It is recommended that Bakersfield elderly with a history of medical problems that require hospital visits keep a packed bag with the items they will need for the hospital. Other seniors can have a family member pick up the items for their time in hospital on their behalf, although it’s easier if a list is drafted in advance and kept with a close relative or caregiver so essential items are not forgotten in the face of a medical emergency.

Items to include on a packing list for a hospital stay:

1.    Copies of important documents – insurance information, living wills, Power of Attorney’s, phone lists, and lists of current medications should be stored in an enclosed folder.
2.    Clothing – if the hospital allows you to wear your own clothing, choose nightgowns or nightshirts, loose fitting undergarments and short sleeved tops so that monitors and intravenous can still be applied easily. A buttoned cardigan or robe can also be worn for extra warmth.
3.    Toiletries
4.    Eye glasses, hearing aids etc.
5.    Prepaid Phone card
6.    Pen and paper
7.    Books, magazines, knitting and other entertainment
8.    Small amount of cash
9.    Electronics (cell phones, laptops etc if allowed by hospital)
10.    Momentos from home – framed photos or other items can make the hospital feel more like home

Sources:
1.    MedicineNet
2.    Inventor Spot Beth Hodgson

Image: ehow.com

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.