Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors Living at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Safety for the Elderly and Families Caring for Them in the Houston Bay Area

Unfortunately, the elderly are sometimes victims of robbery and other violent crimes. The number of crimes committed against older people is rising sharply, with assaults against the elderly doubling in the past eight years. Here are some helpful tips to guide you if you are ever facing a potentially dangerous situation.

How you can avoid danger

1. Trust yourself. Paying close attention to your instincts is crucial. Your senses can pick up on danger so always listen to yourself.

2. Be aware of your surroundings. It is never a good idea to leave the front door open, your valuables in the car, your purse on top of your office desk, or to flaunt your valuable jewelry. These actions can provide temptation and opportunity for offenders.

3. Pay attention to the people around you. It is important to pay attention to this advice so you will listen to your instincts and also be aware of what is happening around you. You can often sense what someone’s intentions are by the way they are looking at you.

4. Act confident and focused. Just like you can sense someone else’s feelings, they can sense yours. What a predators looks for are people who are meek, mild, weak, unfocused, and distracted.  Try to present yourself in an assertive manner. When walking down the street, make eye contact with people who look at you. Give out signals to the would-be offender that you are in charge and aware that they are there.

 How to Defend Yourself

1. Have an escape plan. Know the layout of your surroundings. In the senior’s home, know where the power switch is, and know your way in the dark. This can give you an advantage over intruders

2. Train your body. Get in shape. Being healthy is important, and could make a big difference in your ability to protect yourself.

3. React quickly to danger. The time in which you react is critical to how you are able to come through without being hurt.  

Hopefully you will never be put in this situation, but it is always good to be prepared and be cautious.

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Aging Parents at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Home Safety Checklist in the Houston Bay Area - LIsten to our offer for seniors in Southeast Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Clear Lake, Webster, and LaPorte concerned about home safety hazards.

Click here to listen…

This week our focus is on “Safety in the Home”. Home Instead Senior Care has put together this helpful list, so that all caregivers can check the senior’s home to make sure that it is safe for everyone. Also, make a note of the fantastic “special offer” we have going currently. All you have to do is submit your e-mail address and Home Instead Senior Care will provide a 15 minute home safety check, free of charge! There are no strings attached, and we promise you won’t be receiving a bunch of spam mail. This is a service that we are more than happy to provide to show you just how much you are valued by us.
Things to check when doing a home safety inspection:

· Keep the entrance well lit, and the railing is secure. Make sure that visitors are visible and the lock is in working order.

· Keep the living area uncluttered, rugs safe for movement, and electric cords safely attached.

· Check in the kitchen to make sure the faucets, stove burners, and oven is working.

· In the bedroom, make sure the nightstand is available for personal items.

· Bathrooms should have safety mats in the tub and fixtures in working condition.

These and many other safety features will be evaluated in your home, at your leisure, if you sign up today!

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Keeping your elder’s home in Webster, Clear Lake, and Southeast Houston safe - Carbon Monoxide Safety

With the cold weather fast approaching, it is important to remember to keep our senior’s safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Being exposed to unhealthy amounts of carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. Symptoms are sleepiness, headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The following ways to prevent overexposure to carbon monoxide:

• Get heating systems inspected
• Make sure the chimney is properly vented
• Do not heat a home with a gas oven or clothes dryer
• Use exhaust fans while cooking
• Do not leave cars running in the garage

Carbon monoxide detectors can alert you and your clients to abnormal levels of carbon monoxide gas. If a carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, and you and the senior are experiencing flu-like symptoms, immediately ventilate the home by opening the doors and windows. Shut off fuel-operated appliances and heating systems and leave. Then call the fire department as quickly as possible.

Remember, one can never be too protective when it comes to safety!

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Study Finds Surfing the Web Stimulates the Brain

New research shows that searching the Internet can help keep the brain fit. UCLA scientists found that, for computer-savvy middle-aged and older adults, searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision making and complex reasoning.

“The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults,” said Dr. Gary Small, principal investigator and a professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. “Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.”

Small said that pursuing activities that keep the mind engaged may help preserve brain health and cognitive ability. Traditionally, these include games such as crossword puzzles, but with the advent of technology, scientists are beginning to assess computer use.

The Internet’s wealth of choices requires people make decisions about what to click on in order to see more information, an activity that engages important cognitive circuits in the brain.

“A simple, everyday task like searching the Web appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older,” he said.

The research will be published in the upcoming issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. For more information, see the university press release.

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Caring for Elders Living with Dementia in Southeast Houston

It can be comforting to speak with others who understand just how stressful, frustrating and even scary caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be. Leslie, a single mother who cares for her own young daughter as well as her 91 year old grandmother with Alzheimer’s on a daily basis has faced situations that demonstrate just how challenging Alzheimer’s care can be; “Because my grandmother is home alone during the day, I come home over my lunch hour to check on her.

Grandmother has been living with me for three years, but still thinks she is visiting. At first, she was quite independent and resisted any kind of help, saying she could do everything on her own. One day I discovered she had gone into the back yard, locked the door behind her and spent the afternoon sitting in the sun.

The temperature reached 100 degrees that day and Grandmother had not eaten or drank anything all day. This made me realize that for her safety and well-being she shouldn’t be alone anymore.” If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, educate yourself about the disease, and seek support in order to lessen the risks and increase the effectiveness of your care, while lowering the impacts of stress.

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

Caring for Alzheimer’s in Southeast Houston

Many people living with Alzheimer’s in Southeast Houston feel so confused and alone in the world that their disease has created, that they do not realize there are others like them out there. While this doesn’t minimize the affects of the disease, it means that there are resources available to provide information about the disease, and support groups to talk to others living through similar situations.

The same thing applies to those who are caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s, most often family members. While your responsibilities as a caregiver might make you feel isolated and alone when it comes to managing stresses and balancing the many tasks that fall to you on a daily basis, there are others out there just like you.

You may not be aware, but 80% of Alzheimer’s caregivers are actually family members, often adult children or spouses. Many people forget that the late, former president, Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer’s and was cared for by his wife, and first lady, Nancy Reagan.

Keeping your elder loved one at home is important to you and for them to remain safe. Most seniors prefer home instead of assisted living or a nursing home facility. When you need help with your loved; making sure they remain safe and healthy at home please contact Home Instead Senior Care Houston at (281) 484-0200.

Tips to make sure they are safe at home in Southeast Houston

When you are over at their home, also try to take a look at the mail; this way you can ensure that they are opening the mail, paying bills and correspondence. These are responsibilities that should not be neglected.

Looking in bathrooms and kitchen sinks can give you an idea of safety. Make sure that cleaning materials are being stored appropriately, and that your loved one does not have difficulty reading the labels. Also check on the bottles of medication and compare the refill dates with the number of pills in the container in order to ensure they are taking them appropriately and on schedule. If you have any concerns, never hesitate to call the pharmacy or speak with your physician.

Your relative’s appearance can also give you a feeling for their well-being; make sure that they are neat, tidy and presentable, with their personal hygiene needs met. Also be on the lookout for signs that they may be developing habits of isolation. Regular social activity is important, so if you are concerned that they may be withdrawing from these situations, speak with neighbors or close friends to determine routines.

If you are concerned that your loved one is unable to keep up with their responsibilities, while living alone, please do look into caregiving options to ensure they don’t end up in my clinic in a compromising situation.

Keeping your elder loved one at home is important to you and for them. Most seniors prefer home instead of assisted living or a nursing home facility. When you need help with your loved; making sure they remain safe and healthy at home please contact Home Instead Senior Care Houston at (281) 484-0200.

Here are a few tips that insure they remain safe at home.

Take a look around the house at the top of furniture and countertops, the presence of dust and dirt; especially if it represents a decline in cleaning habits, may indicate problems completing household tasks.

Dirt on fans or ceilings could mean that they are having trouble with reaching, or are no longer able to use a step stool in order to clean those areas. Often seniors who are beginning to neglect household cleaning may keep books, magazines and newspapers under beds and sofas, where they present a fire hazard.

There are a few things that may tell you that your loved one is having difficulty with balance or mobility. Stains on carpets or flooring in rooms, hallways, or stairs, may be a sign that food or drink has been spilled because of poor balance or shaky hands. Beware of objects around their home that may pose a tripping hazard; like frayed carpets, throw rugs, or other furniture.

Home Instead Senior Care Southeast Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

SENIOR CARE HOUSTON: HOW TO DECIDE

I deal with a large number of seniors on a daily basis, since I work in a medical clinic that specializes in geriatrics. I know how challenging it can be to determine when it’s time to seek care for a loved one, especially since they may not go along with the idea willingly for fear of losing their independence.

However, it’s an important decision that relatives must make in order to ensure that their senior family member is safe and healthy living in their own home. There are a number of areas within the home that family members can check in order to determine if seniors are providing for themselves effectively when it comes to nutrition, housekeeping duties, personal hygiene, medication requirements as well as other responsibilities.

Take a close look around the kitchen, including the refrigerator, freezer, drawers and cupboards to get a feel for cleanliness and shopping habits. If there is food spoiled in the fridge, it may indicate that the person has trouble getting to the grocery store or is neglecting the cleaning. Kitchens also typically have many tight spaces; if these areas are dirty it may indicate additional trouble.

To get a better idea about what your loved one is eating, take a look at their grocery lists either before or after the shopping has been done. People who have difficulty with mobility or have other challenges with meal preparation, often purchase junk foods and other convenience items that are quick and easy; however, these may not be the healthiest options, since they are lacking in the much needed fresh fruits and vegetables.

Home Instead Senior Care Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston Bay Area Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live at Home - Call us 281-484-0200.

 LEARNING WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP

I have been a full time caregiver for my elderly parents for about two and a half years. When my mother lost her mobility skills and my father suffered a severe stroke, they were no longer able to properly provide for themselves in their own home.

There was discussion about placing them both in a long-term care home to meet their day-to-day needs, but for two of them, this just wasn’t financially feasible for anyone in the family. With no other choice, we came to the decision that I would quit my job and act as their caregiver on a full time basis, which would also allow them to remain living in their own home.

I had always balanced my work life with caring for a household of four children, and thought that the transition to caregiver would be seamless since I no longer had work to compete with, and half my children had moved out of the house, while the others were self sufficient in their teenage years.

So I was surprised when the stress began taking its toll on me both physically and emotionally. Initially it began with the development of insomnia, and then the migraines started to develop, followed by the regular stomach cramps. I didn’t think to see my doctor at this point; in fact, I just chalked it up to aging.

However, things started to get out of hand when I began to notice my hair starting to thin, and my sex drive greatly declined much to my husband’s dismay. My family also began having to walk on egg shells around me, because of my regular, unpredictable mood swings, constant need to argue and criticize and general irritability.

Finally, it took my husband and children sitting me down and letting me know they didn’t like the changes they were seeing in me. So I made an appointment with my physician, and his initial recommendation was simple; I needed to take some time for myself and stop focusing so much on the needs of everyone else.

He also recommended Home Instead Senior Care Houston, if I needed a professional caregiver to come in and help me with my parents and advised that I attend a community support group to talk to others with similar stresses. I’ve learned now how important it is that I do things just for me, that I don’t need to be everything for everyone all the time. My health has improved, and now I remember how to have fun again.