Craving Companionship

Who doesn't like companionship? We all like to have someone to talk to. We get excited when we go on outings with other people for the day, or when they come to your house for a visit. As we age we tend to do less socializing. We no longer feel like going on those outings, and going to the store starts to become a chore. We'd rather just sit in the comfort of our home. But that doesn't mean we stop longing for the companionship that keeps us connected and close to others.

Most often the elderly start to become isolated and alone, yet they still long for the companionship from other people. There are many activities to help our cherished population stay connected without them leaving their homes. the next time you go for a visit why not discuss current affairs with them? This not only keeps them in tune to the world around them, it also keeps their minds sharp. And who doesn't like sharing and listening to stories? Why not prepare a nice lunch together and enjoy sharing memories. Preparing a meal together also allows you to share recipes, old and new.

Home Instead Senior Care knows how important companionship is. That is why from July 15 - September 15, 2011, Home Instead Senior Care will be sponsoring, "Craving Companionship" Recipe contest on facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/cookingwithgrandma for contest details. The winner will receive a $500 gift certificate.

Senior Emergency Kit

Would it surprise you to learn that less than one-half of future caregivers say that they are not knowledgeable about their parents' medical histories in case of emergency? Even though a majority of future caregivers say their parents are healthier than other people their age, nearly two-thirds of the parents have two or more medical or health conditions, and nearly one-half takes at least three medications. A significant number of future caregivers say they have not tried to ask their parents for information related to their parents' health histories or their parents' plans for the future.
Family caregivers understand the apprehension that often accompanies worrying about what might happen to an older adult. Anticipating a midnight phone call that a senior has suffered a medical crisis or an emergency can be unsettling for any adult child. Medications are often the source of these problems. Seniors represent just over 13 percent of the population, but consume 40 percent of prescription drugs and 35 percent of all over -the-counter drugs, according to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP).
Home Instead Senior Care network worked with Humana Points of Caregiving to create the Caring for Your Parents: Senior Emergency Kit, an information management tool and website. This toolkit and other resources are part of the Answering the Call program to help you be prepared for theses situations.
The Home Instead Senior Care network's Senior Emergency Kit can help ensure that family caregivers like you have fast and easy access to important information about loved ones in case of an emergency call. This resource was developed with the assistance of Humana Points of Caregiving. It is designed to help family caregivers gather details about a seniors' doctors, pharmacy and insurance company, medications and dosages, as well as allergies, power of attorney, and other important information.
This toolkit will provide you with all the important information you need in a centrally located file so you are ready for a crisis, day or night. For more information, go to http://www.senioremergencykit.com/ or call you local Home Instead Senior Care office at (707) 252-3322.

There's No Place Like Home

She sang you to sleep, taught you how to tie your shoes, made chicken soup when you were sick and cheered you on at the game. You knew she was there for you, no matter what. Now you want to be there for her. Whether you're caring for your mom, your dad or both parents, Home Instead is here to help.

There is simply no place like home, and Home Instead Senior Care® was created to help seniors remain safely in the comfort of home and to provide support to the family and friends who love them. We're here to address your concerns and provide the non-medical services you need, whether it's companionship while you're at work, help with groceries and errands, a helping hand with household chores or a simple reminder to take medications.

In the coming weeks, Napa Home Instead's blog will offer local and national resources and the latest information that matters to our seniors and their family and friends.

If there's a topic you'd like to see covered here, feel free to post it below as a comment.

We understand there's no place like home. Senior care, to us, is personal.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin

I just heard a great story about one of our notoriously upbeat and positive CAREGivers. The story goes, the CAREGiver, Joanie, was helping one of our seniors put on her ole’ cowboy boots to go out for a barbecue. Obviously she shouldn’t have been wearing cowboy boots, but Joanine knew it would make her happy to at least try to see if she could wear them. The daughter called during this “exercise,” and all she could hear was laughter!

“Here was my 80-year old mother shuffling around in the house in booths that didn’t fit and Joanie by her side laughing with her.”