As a Bay Area in home care agency we know all too well that many family members take on a huge burden alone - the burden of providing the best care for an aging loved one with dementia, Parkinson's or other issues that make caregiving even more difficult than it already is. You may be a spouse, only child, or an adult child with siblings who have no interest in helping you care for an aging … [Read more...]
Senior Caregiving – Dehydration in Seniors: Signs Prevention
As Bay Area senior caregiving experts, we know that often times seniors don't eat and drink like they should. Sometimes they simply forget (especially those with dementia or related conditions), other times it's simply a loss of appetite that's often associated with aging. Dehydration can become a serious issue, so it's best to prevent it when you can. If you care for an aging loved one in Palo … [Read more...]
Senior Care – Is ‘Old People Smell’ A Real Thing Or Our Imagination?
Whether you go into a nursing home, assisted living center, or even the home of your aging parents, you think you notice something that just smells 'different,' and not too pleasant. Is that an 'old people smell,' or is there really such a thing? Turns out, there is - and it begins as we grow older, some say as early as 40. What causes that odor, even in those who practice excellent … [Read more...]
Staying Active As We Age – What Caregivers Can Do To Help Loved Ones
Some Bay Area seniors seem to be just as spry as they were when they were 30; for others, being active isn't so easy due to limited mobility, arthritis, vision problems, or other conditions that often affect seniors. Range of motion often changes, and for someone on a walker or cane it can seem impossible to stay active. How can you help an aging loved one? First of all, keep in mind that … [Read more...]
Helping Bay Area Seniors Manage Multiple Medications
As an in-home senior care agency serving clients in the San Francisco Bay Area, we know that many seniors take several medications on a daily basis. In fact, of those 65 and older, about 40% take five or more medications. Given the fact that combining some medications can cause a harmful interaction, it's important to manage medications in a way that is smart and will help ensure your loved … [Read more...]
Independent Caregiver? You May Want To Rethink That
It isn't unusual for families who live in Palo Alto or other areas around San Francisco to hire an independent caregiver to care for elderly family members, however this may not be the best decision. Perhaps someone has recommended a friend who's retired or doesn't work to care for your aging loved one. There are substantial differences between hiring an independent caregiver and a licensed home … [Read more...]
Seniors Love Spring – Celebrate With These Caregiving Tips
Those who are getting on up in years enjoy the transition to spring just as much as the rest of us do. Who doesn't love being outdoors enjoying the comfortable temperatures, sunshine, and nature? San Francisco and surrounding areas are perfect for outdoor activities during the spring months, and it's important to think about your aging parent if your family spends time outdoors. With these … [Read more...]
Seniors And Caregivers In The Bay Area – Spring Cleaning
Spring's here, which means it's time for that dreaded chore - spring cleaning. Even seniors want a clean home, but certain tasks can be difficult for not only those who are aging, but their caregivers as well. Our San Francisco home care agency has a few tips that will help make spring cleaning a breeze, regardless of who's taking care of those tedious tasks! Seniors often prefer to take care … [Read more...]
Menlo Park Home Care – Supporting A Parent With Cancer
The "C" word understandably strikes fear in the hearts of patients and their families; nothing is more difficult than learning a loved one has cancer. As a trusted Menlo Park home care agency, we have a few suggestions to help you support your parent and yourself through what is often a very difficult time. Help with housekeeping, or hire someone who can. When a parent has cancer, treatment … [Read more...]
What Bay Area Senior Caregivers Should Know About COPD
Did you know that COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.? As a caregiver of an aging loved one in the Bay Area it's important to know the facts about this combination of progressive lung diseases, and the symptoms when the condition is worsening. Approximately 15 million people throughout the country have COPD, although most of them … [Read more...]