Caregivers tend to experience high levels of stress and anxiety and much of this is due to the fact that there is so much information to remember and organize. Being a caregiver means you must maintain records of health and medications for the senior in your care. To do this, there are some Smartphone apps that can be very useful. These apps can also be used by seniors to help them remember important medical information.

1.            Tell My Geo is a personal-health-record app that will allow healthcare providers to access medical history through a Smartphone. The app also has a GPS locater. It is available from Android for $9.95 per month. This is a great app for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

2.            Personal Caregiver is from iPhone at no charge. This app helps seniors and caregivers keep track of medications. Since many seniors take multiple medications at different times during the day, this app can be very helpful.

3.            Pain Care is also a free app that has won numerous awards. This app helps seniors communicate their level of pain. This is a great app for seniors who cannot speak because of a certain medical condition.

4.            iBioMed is an app that contains a treatment log book for therapies, diets, medications, test results and allergies. It is a portable medical record that has a time-stamped journal.

5.            Public Speech is a free app that can help caregivers record the reminiscences of a senior who may not be with us for much longer. This app makes for a great activity that will engage seniors and allow them to record memories and their life stories.

Source: Marketwatch.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.

The world of technology can be a scary thing for many seniors because they are unfamiliar with many things. To help with this, teaching seniors some pointers and tips will help them learn how to use items and be more comfortable when doing so. The following list contains some great ideas on how to help seniors learn about technology.

1.            Most seniors have a computer in the home but only use it to send emails. There are even some seniors who are not online. Setting up an email account is a great way to enable seniors to stay in touch with friends and family members. For those who already have email, show them some of the other things they can do online, such as looking up important medical information.

2.            Most seniors have cell phones, but they do not know how to enter contact information. Take some time to set up their phone book and show them how to navigate through the menu on their phone.

3.            Programming remotes may seem like a simple task for most people, but seniors often have trouble with this. Instead of programming it for them, walk through the steps and teach them how to do it. The smile and glimmer in their eyes when they finally “get it” will be very rewarding!

Source: Broadneck Patch

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.

Feeling nervous and anxious is common and is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, when Bakersfield seniors begin to feel anxious about an illness, certain events and difficult situations, there may be a problem that should be addressed. More than 10% of the elderly population is affected by anxiety disorders. Many of these individuals are not treated because they do not recognize the symptoms. The following information is beneficial in helping seniors notice symptoms and get help.

1.            When anxiety is not treated, it can cause other problems, including cognitive decline, poor physical health and a poor quality of life.

2.            There are different types of anxiety disorders and not every senior will experience the same symptoms. Specific phobias are a common form of anxiety. This is when a senior has an intense and irrational fear of something that does not pose an immediate threat. Other types of anxiety include social phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder.

3.            Many seniors who have anxiety issues will also have symptoms of depression as well. It is important to know the different signs of depression and anxiety.

4.            Anxiety can be caused by many different things, such as a family history of the disorder, mental illness, extreme stress or trauma, bereavement and excessive use of alcohol, drugs or caffeine.

5.            Family members, friends and caretakers should all be aware of the symptoms of anxiety. Seniors should know them as well. The symptoms can include worry and fear, racing heart, poor sleep habits, depression, muscle tension, the avoidance of social situations, hoarding, being overly concerned with safety and self-medicating.

6.            This disorder can be easily treated when the symptoms are spotted and all seniors who have an anxiety problem should discuss possible treatment with their doctor.

Source: GMHF Online

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.

The holidays are one of the most important times of year for families to reconnect. When visiting an elderly family member in Bakersfield, make sure to make the most of the visit. This does not just mean catching up on time that has passed. Be sure to look for some signs that ensure the senior is safe in their home and that there are no issues. The following list contains six different things to look for when visiting.

1.            If the elderly family member is still driving, assess their skills. Even though they have been driving for many years, it may no longer be safe for them to do so. Ask if they have had any tickets or small accidents in the recent past. Look for dents on the car. If there is concern about their driving safety, schedule a driving test with the DMV.

2.            Make sure the senior is getting the proper nutrition. Check the cabinets and refrigerator to make sure they have food to make a meal with and not just a snack. If the senior cannot prepare their own meals any longer, arrange something with Meals on Wheels to help.

3.            Check on finances. See if there are unpaid bills lying around. Many seniors become forgetful and will neglect to pay bills on time.

4.            Watch for any balance problems. When seniors have issues with their balance, they will begin to experience many falls. Watch how they walk and go up and down stairs. Older family members may benefit from a medical alert bracelet.

5.            While talking to the senior, make note of any changes in their memory. Try to talk about recent events to see what they recall. Also check to make sure they are not forgetting to take their medications.

6.            Some seniors will experience loneliness and depression. This can be noticed by changes in behavior. Often, when a senior is depressed, their hygiene will begin to suffer. Check to see that their clothes are clean and they are caring for their personal hygiene.

Source: Eldercare ABC Blog

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.

For a large amount of people and families, the mere thought of having to care for a senior family member will increase stress. Caring for the elderly should be a positive experience, not a burden. There are some simple tips that will ease the feeling of this being a burden and will allow Bakersfield caregivers to look at things in a different light. Below are three tips that can be helpful.

1.            Never be afraid to ask for help. There will be a lot of responsibilities as a caregiver, but it is not required for one single person to handle everything. Ask friends and family members for help when things get too stressful.

2.            Always encourage the senior to be involved in activities. There are bound to be some activities that the elderly individual enjoys doing, so make these a priority. There are many adult day care centers that can be helpful. This is a great way to know your loved senior is being taken care of and interacting with others. Be sure to make sure the senior has plenty of family involvement as well. Perhaps a family card night or movie night. Something that will keep the senior connected with others in the family will be beneficial.

3.            When caring for an elderly family member, it is very important to stay in communication with the medical team. Knowing what is going on in terms of health will make the task of providing care much simpler. Always ask questions of the doctors if you do not understand something. They are also a great resource and can lead you in directions for finding other support services.

Source: Wingardstella

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.

With the Christmas season right around the corner, many people will be looking for the perfect gift for Bakersfield seniors. However, this can often be a challenge. It is hard to determine what seniors actually want and need, so shopping for the perfect gift can seem like an endless chore. The list below offers some great tips on buying a gift for a senior. These gifts are affordable and can offer many benefits to seniors.

1.            Blankets and throws will always be a great gift. Many seniors feel chilled and will enjoy being able to wrap up in a warm blanket.

2.            Slippers and new socks are great gifts as well. While they may not seem like such a huge thing, seniors need to keep their feet warm and most seniors will wear their slippers all year long.

3.            Many older women will enjoy receiving some lotions and bath soaps. However, before buying these, make sure the senior has no allergies to certain scents.

4.            Bath robes and new pajamas will be useful and appreciated. Warm winter clothing such as sweaters, pants and thermal underwear make nice senior gifts.

5.            Many seniors have trouble seeing, yet they enjoy reading and doing puzzles. If you can find books that are large print, make sure to include these as a gift.

6.            Most seniors are living on a very tight budget. Giving a gift card to a supermarket or discount store will be very helpful, allowing the senior to buy some food or items for the home.

Source: Payson Round Up

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.

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.

Many seniors will require additional care that is provided by a caregiver, especially when the senior has a chronic illness. Being a caregiver requires many things, including some huge sacrifices. When caring for a senior with a chronic illness, it is common for the caregiver to experience increased levels of stress. To help with this issue, the following list provides Bakersfield, California caregivers with information on symptoms to watch for and some ways to help reduce stress levels associated with being a caregiver.

1. Chronic illnesses will increase physical stress for the caregiver. There are various symptoms of stress that all caregivers should know about, including anger, depression, exhaustion, guilt, denial, irritability and being dissatisfied with life in general.
2. The levels of stress will vary depending on the actual illness. This is because certain illnesses will require more care and will place more responsibility on the caregiver.
3. The causes of physical and emotional stress include physical changes that have side effects, the inability to work, changes in personal relationships and financial demands due to the needs of healthcare.
4. To help alleviate stress, caregivers should take frequent breaks. Taking a day off here and there is also a good idea. Make sure to care for your own health, physically and emotionally and always know what your limits are.
5. Caregivers should not be afraid to ask for help if they begin getting stressed. Asking family members for some help and support can make a world of difference and can reduce the responsibilities of caring for a senior with chronic illness. It can also help prevent and reduce existing stress.

Source: http://ocalahealthsystem.com/your-health/condition_detail.dot?id=743

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.

Becoming a caregiver for an elderly in Bakersfield CA is a huge responsibility. It is usually not a role that many people choose. However, they will find that a family member will need the help of another as they age. Becoming a caregiver is a stressful and overwhelming process, but with the following 10 steps, the process should be a little easier.

1.    Lay foundations. By establishing baseline of important information on the senior, the caregiver will be able to determine what services will be needed and how they can be of assistance to the senior.

2.    Medical assessments and diagnoses are important. As a caregiver, it is important to have all of the current medical information on the individual. This includes all diagnoses, medications and medical assessments. This information will be useful when preparing to provide care for the senior.

3.    Become educated. Make sure you know all there is to know about the medical conditions of the senior. Try to share this knowledge with friends and family members. The more understanding a person has of the issues the senior is dealing with, the more helpful a caregiver will be.

4.    Determine needs. Not every senior has the same needs. Some may need help bathing a dressing while others will simply need assistance managing medications and appointments. Be sure to know how well the senior can function independently before they require any help.

5.    Devise a care plan. Again, this will vary depending on the needs of the senior. The needs will change over time, so a care plan is meant to be adjusted. However, it should be in writing so others will know what the senior needs if the caregiver is not available at a given time.

6.    Examine finances. Providing care to a senior also means making sure their finances are taken care of. Caregivers need to make sure bills have been paid and that the senior is a financially stable as possible. Keep all financial records in a safe location.

7.    Review any and all legal documents. This will help ensure the wishes of the senior will be carried out. If necessary, go over these documents with an attorney. Legal documents also include birth certificates, property settlements, military records income tax returns and wills. There are many documents that will have to be gathered, so make sure to get all of this information and keep it in a safe location.

8.    Have safety checklists. This will help to make sure the home is safe for the senior. Whether they are living in their own home or residing with the caregiver, there should be a list that will ensure the safety of the senior while they are in the home.

9.    Keep in contact with others. Having communication with other caregivers who are facing similar situations is a great way to get extra support. It is also a great way to learn new ideas and ways of dealing with certain situations. Other caregivers can offer a lot of knowledge on different topics that could pertain to any senior.

10.     Care for yourself. This is one mistake that many caregivers make. They are so wrapped up in caring for others that they tend to neglect their own needs. As a caregiver, you must set time aside for yourself. This is essential if you want to be an effective and efficient caregiver.

StrengthforCaring.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.

Being a caregiver is a huge responsibility. Aside from having to be available at all hours, caregivers usually make major personal sacrifices to be able to provide care to seniors. To offer thanks and recognition, Home Instead Senior Care is holding a drawing for caregivers that will reward them with a free five day cruise.

Additional details are provided in the list below.

1. A caregiver recently was the winner of a cruise giveaway from Home instead Senior Care. The cruise sets sail on January 3, 2011 and lasts for five days. The cruise is part of the Caregiver stress Management Cruise program.
2. Openseas Travel is working with Celebrity Cruise Line to award various caregivers for their efforts in making ultimate sacrifices to care for another elderly adult.
3. Free cruses are awarded to those who enter a drawing put o by Home Instead Senior Care. Winners of the cruise will be able to receive 40 hours of free care through Home Instead senior Care franchises.
4. Offering a free cruise is one way to pay tribute to those who take time from their own lives to provide care and services for elderly adults in need. This is one way that Home Instead senior Care takes time to notice the efforts of all caregivers and offer them a rewarding experience and time to connect with themselves and their family again.

Source: http://www.homeinstead.com/Lists/pressreleases/Attachments/44/SHome%20Instead%20Senior%20Care%20Caregivier%20Cruise.pdf

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.