SUNRISE, Fla. — The holiday season is here. For some, plans are in motion to visit elderly family members. But if it has been a while since you last visited, you might be shocked at how much they have aged, concerned about their continued safety and well-being and motivated to do something about it, say the folks at Interim HealthCare.
First, try and remember the value of independence. Almost no one wants to be uprooted from his or her home. Getting help doesn’t always mean moving. Many people can remain safe in their home with minimal help.
There are often signs of trouble that usually show up in several areas. By being observant, you may be able to identify problems before they become a crisis.
While you are visiting, consider the following:
* Are medications a problem? According to a recent survey, one out of every three seniors said they had trouble taking their medications correctly. If someone takes four or more medications daily, they are at significant risk.
* Is there difficulty with daily living activities? A variety of equipment can easily be used in the home to make it safer.
* Is the person depressed? Clinical depression is real and it affects thousands of people over 70 at home.
Through Interim HealthCare you can access a free online Independent Living Assessment at www.homestyleservices.com that lets you get involved and become informed about factors that limit a person’s ability to live safe and independent in the comfort of his or her home. By taking a few moments of time, you can answer a series of questions to identify how well the individual can perform activities of daily living and other factors that impact his or her well-being.
The assessment results provide valuable information about next steps, including recommendations for checking with a physician when appropriate, situations in which home care might help, “red flags” about safety issues and general, useful information about conditions, what you should watch for and expect.
Interim HealthCare also offers comprehensive at home assessments through their local offices. These assessments are conducted by a qualified professional so you can make informed decision about the services needed. Once the assessment is completed, develop a customized plan is developed that fits each client’s individual situation and supports his or her capabilities. Interim offers a variety of personal care services including companionship, homemaking, and meal preparation. These services are provided in the comfort of one’s home, regardless of whether it’s a private residence or a senior living facility.
About Interim HealthCare
Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation’s oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a national network of more than 300 offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including home care, medical staffing and occupational health. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.
For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com
[tags]senior citizens coping with holidays, Interim HealthCare, health care personnel, home care and medical staffing[/tags]
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Articles & Columns
It is important to realize that coming home for the Holidays to visit your aging parent or grandparents in a home isn’t always fun for them. Often, they’re plagued by loneliness and lack of family. While family is often great to see, sometimes they can be embarrassed or feel like a burden or an obligation. It’s important to make them feel happy and special. Perhaps you could bring something that will make them remember their younger days. It was a huge tradition in our family to watch a movie classic after Mom cooked dinner, usually Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Well, I found this great limited edition dvd box set of The Original Christmas Classics with Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa, as well as a bonus music CD that we could listen to. I brought the DVD and we all watched it as a family with Mom, just like old times. It definitely was like a trip down memory lane for all of us, and it seemed to really bring joy and bring up topics of holiday conversation from years past. It may be a great gift and a good option for those of you trying to find ways to cheer up your aging folks. I’m working to support this because I think it’s so important to remember how important family is on the Holidays.
Comment by Kristin — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 @ 04:30:58 +0000 UTC