For more information on the author Collier Home Health, CLICK HERE.Due to Covid-19, most seniors are either staying home by choice and or greatly limiting their outings or are under quarantine measures. Retirement communities such as Assisted Living Facilities or Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Centers have closed their doors to the public, including the families of residents. Although this has worked to prevent the spread of this deadly disease, it has created an opening for another disease that plagues the elderly: depression.According to a 2020 study done by The Lancet Public Health, social disconnectedness in adults aged 5785 years of age increases the risk of feeling isolated, which in turn strengthens their symptoms of depression and anxiety.Companion care can make a world a difference in a seniors life. Having a caregiver that can spend quality time engaging in conversation or listening and doing activities such as games, puzzles, or going for a walk can be tremendously uplifting for a senior. In the event that a senior requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) from a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking or ambulation, transferring, grooming, or feeding it helps to have someone you know and enjoy having around to help with those activities. Doing these activities together with a caregiver can also satisfy the need for social interaction, companionship, and basic human contact. An at-home caregiver can also assist with light housekeeping such as laundry, wiping down counters, dishes, vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. A skilled nursing caregiver can assist with medication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medications; errands such as picking up prescription medications at a pharmacy; putting a grocery list together; grocery shopping; meal preparation and so much more!Going OutdoorsSpending time outside has been suggested to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, while struggling with depression, even going outdoors may seem like an impossible task. The caregivers at Collier Home Care can encourage your loved one to go on a daily walk to improve their mood or even encourage them to sit in their backyard in the shade. Assisted Living Facilities are closed to the public but are aware of the increasing depression in their residents and are allowing them to take walks around the building or sit outside. Although this is a wonderful way for the more physically able to spend their time, it can be dangerous for a resident in a wheelchair or a walker that may have more difficulty traversing different terrain. Having a caregiver to assist them safely with transfers and ambulation can give your loved one reassurance and allow them to completely enjoy their experience outside without any additional worry.Social ConnectionStaying home by choice or being in quarantine for months can create social isolation leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. Our caregivers can provide social companionship and also encourage and assist clients to connect online by helping them face time, Zoom, or Skype with friends and family, something that may have been out of their reach previously due to complications with technology. It is also important for your loved one to talk about how they are feeling during these troubling times. An at-home caregiver can listen compassionately and console them.Establishing a RoutineAn individual struggling with depression may wander around in their home aimlessly, and, feeling as they have nothing else better to do, end up sitting in front of a television watching news related to the pandemic. While being informed is generally a good idea, if done excessively, it may also trigger an increase in anxiety for an individual to the point where they have stopped feeling safe. An at-home caregiver may help your loved one by establishing a routine that encourages them to take their minds off the worlds troubles and focus more on taking care of themselves. This can be done in a gentle way to allow your loved one to feel like they are making their own choices, rather than being forced to do something that they do not necessarily want to do.To Learn MoreIf you would like to learn more about companion home care, personal home care, or skilled nursing home care, please click the link above. We will be happy to discuss your needs with you and help you determine what the appropriate level of care may be.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) provide many different services in the home such as assistance with bathing and meal preparation but it is the task of light housekeeping that often requires additional clarification on a clients Service Plan. Housekeeping, whether it is wiping down a counter or cleaning windows, tends to get lumped together into one category, indistinguishable by light, medium, or deep cleaning tasks.What is Light Housekeeping?Light housekeeping should be thought of as a task that a caregiver does to help provide better care to a client. For example, when a caregiver provides meal preparation, the client can count on the caregiver to clean up the kitchen, clear the table, put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash by hand, and then place back in the cupboard. When a client needs standby or hands-on assistance with bathing, the client can rest assured that a clean towel and clean clothes will be ready for them, that dirty laundry will be placed in a hamper for washing, and that the bathroom sink, toilet, countertops, and mirrors will be cleaned and ready for the next use.Light housekeeping includes tasks such as dusting open surfaces; sweeping and mopping floors (damp mops small areas and hard surface floors); vacuuming around furniture; wiping down counters; washing and putting dishes away; cleaning bathrooms and kitchens; taking out the trash; changing sheets and making the bed; and organizing drawers, shelves, and closets. Light housekeeping is meant to be limited to the areas used by the client such as the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living room. Light housekeeping is offered as one part of an overall Service Plan to a senior to keep him or her safe and independent in their home environment.What is Deep Cleaning?Deep cleaning, in comparison, includes tasks such as shampooing carpets, and steam cleaning or scrubbing floors; cleaning glass windows, windowsills, and glass doors; polishing chrome, brass, stainless steel, including fixtures; cleaning ceiling fans; cleaning roofs and gutters; cleaning the exterior of a house or outside furniture; cleaning the grout lines; moving heavy furniture; cleaning kitchen appliances such as the fridge, stove, microwave; or raking or mowing the grass. If you need help with these types of tasks, you may need to hire a cleaning or a maid service for regular deep cleaning.Here are some other ways a home health caregiver can help you:Help with standby or hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/mobility, transferring, feeding, grooming, and continence.Grocery shopping and meal preparationErrandsDrivingMedication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medicationAsking for someone to lend a hand can be hard to do, but its important. Oftentimes seniors will call us when they want to stay safely, securely, and independently in their home, and this often involves some degree of housekeeping.Depending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in care. It is our pleasure to care for you and your home!If we can help with home health care services or determine an appropriate level of care, click the link above.

Home Health and Home Care sound very similar but are distinctly different. Home Health offers skilled care, often covered by Medicare and other insurances while Home Care offers non-medical or custodial care covered by private pay or long-term care insurance (reimbursement or direct assignment).What is Home Health?Home Health is a clinical service offered through a home health agency. It is usually prescribed by a physician and can include physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (ST), skilled nursing (SN), and medical social worker (MSW).This service is ideal for seniors who have recently been discharged from a hospital, or rehab center; are homebound; or have a qualifying diagnosis such as weakness, falls, or overall decline in function.What is Home Care?Home Care is non-medical or custodial care for a senior who needs help with homemaking such as laundry, light housekeeping and meal preparation; companionship; or standby or hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, walking, feeding, and continence. These services are provided by a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA).Home Care is essential for a senior who needs a little extra assistance staying safe and independent in their home. Services range from preparing a home-cooked meal to ensuring that a loved one showers safely or can toilet safely in the middle of the night services not usually covered by Medicare or other insurances through home health.When Home Health and Home Care Work TogetherOftentimes, Seniors need both Home Health and Home Care to remain safe and independent in their home environment. By way of example, a senior could benefit from physical therapy home exercises for strengthening during the day, but what happens when the PTs home visit ends and the senior needs toileting assistance in the middle of the night? This is where a CNA or HHA could make all the difference helping the senior transfer out of bed, walk to the toilet, toilet, and then walk back to bed and get into bed safely.Here are some other ways a CNA or HHA can help you with home care:Meal planning and grocery shoppingErrandsDriving to appointmentsAttending doctors appointments and taking notesMedication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medicationPicking up prescriptionsAsking for someone to lend a hand can be hard to do, but its important. Oftentimes seniors will call us when they want to stay safely, securely, and independently in their home and this often includes helping arrange Home Health services.Depending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in care. It is our pleasure to care for you!Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

The flu season is when you start off in the morning with a light heart and end up in the evening with a heavy nose. Robert OrbenFor more information on Collier Home Care, Click here.While we may be ready to don our holiday apparel with the dropping temperatures, it is evident that flu season is finally upon us. Now we must struggle with defending ourselves against the threat of the flu, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Below are some tips that the CDC recommends to protect yourself and others.Avoid CrowdsDuring this time of year, you can experience large crowds of people shopping for presents for their loved ones. You may be tempted to hit the holiday sales at your local convenience store, but you can also be exposing yourself to potential germs and bacteria. If possible, avoid the trip and stick to online shopping.Wash your HandsIt is recommended to wash your hands before, during and after preparing and eating food, after using the toilet, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Be sure to use plenty of soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If there isnt access to a sink or soap, you can use hand sanitizer that has at least 70% alcohol content.Wear a Face MaskMany businesses mandate wearing face masks in their stores to prevent the passing of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets. It is best practice to continue wearing your face mask to also prevent the spread of the flu. Wearing your face mask can also act as a reminder not to touch your face or eyes, intercepting the spread of both the flu and COVID-19.Stay HomeShould you start to feel any symptoms such as fever, fatigue cough, stuffy nose or sore throat, make sure to stay home to reduce the risk of both exacerbating your symptoms, and passing an infection on to anyone else. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, introduce extra Vitamin C into your diet and make an appointment with your doctor.CDC estimates that last season at least 410,000 people were hospitalized from flu. Make sure to follow the above steps to protect one of our most vulnerable population, our seniors.Should your loved one be experiencing any flu or COVID-19 symptoms and need any extra assistance in the home, please call Collier Home Care in Naples, FL, to discuss home care provided by a qualified Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA). Here are some ways we can help you:Help with stand by or hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/mobility, transferring, feeding, grooming, and continence.Grocery shopping and meal preparationErrandsDrivingMedication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medicationTo view a broader list of services offered by Collier Home Care, please click hereDepending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in home health care. It is our pleasure to care for you, your family, and your loved ones.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected home care and what is Collier Home Care doing to keep our clients and caregivers safe and healthy?Mandatory TestingCollier Home Care provides one-on-one private duty home care services,such as stand by or hands-on assistance with bathing or showering; dressing; toileting; ambulation; transfers; grooming; feeding; medication reminders; light housekeeping and laundry; errands and driving to appointments to residents who live in senior living environments such as assisted living, skilled nursing rehab, and memory care. Collier Home Care also provides temporary staffing services to senior living facilities. Collier Home Care can provide certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides (HHAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs) when they are experiencing staffing shortages.Effective July 7, 2020, the Florida Department of Health has required that all nursing home and assisted living facility staff must be tested for COVID-19 and continue to be tested every two weeks thereafter. This includes all private duty caregivers.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Since the beginning of COVID-19, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has recommended wearing face masks when individuals are around other people and especially when social distancing (6 feet of distance) is not possible. Its important for caregivers to use a disposable mask when providing personal care with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as assistance with bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, walking, transferring, feeding, and grooming.Face coverings can be anything from a homemade face mask to a bandana or even a scarf. For caregivers, a medical-grade face mask must always be worn to keep respiratory droplets contained and from reaching the people they are caring for. And while some may use gardening gloves to visit their local supermarket, caregivers must also have medical grade exam gloves that are to be changed regularly, furthering the worldwide shortage of supplies.Mental Health of our SeniorsMany senior care facilities have been able to combat the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities, if not totally keep the virus from entering through its doors through continued isolation of their residents. While this keeps their residents safe from infection from a foreign source, it also deprives them of visits from their loved ones. Family members must stand outside their parents or grandparents windows and wave at them from a distance, which provides their loved one with some solace, but is often not satisfactory. Caregivers can no longer take their clients on outings such as clothes shopping or going out to a meal without the fear of getting infected. This can make it challenging to provide mental and physical stimulation to keep clients active, engaged, and healthy.How has Collier Home Care risen to the challenges we all face from the Covid-19 pandemic?Collier Home Care has implemented the following measures to keep our clients and caregivers healthy and safe:We provided PPE (disposable gloves and disposable masks) to our clients and caregivers.We provided a Service Plan addendum to all clients with the following suggestions:The caregiver is to use a mask and disposable gloves when proving personal care to the client.The caregiver to sanitize and then wipe with water all food containers, prescriptions bottles, and other packaging prior to opening; caregiver to wash hands prior to meal prep if needed.Caregiver to wash hands for 30 seconds with soap and water upon entering and leaving the clients home.Caregiver to keep hands away from their face, mouth, nose, and eyes while in the home.Caregiver to disinfect surfaces and keep home environment tidy, clean, and sanitized as time allows and as permitted by the client. For activities that dont require close proximity, the caregiver should maintain social distancing (6 feet of distance from the client).Caregiver to limit unnecessary outings where clients would encounter others; caregivers to encourage social distancing and use of PPE when social distancing is not possible. Caregiver to open all mail packaging and envelopes outside the home and discard packaging prior to re-entering home; wash hands.The caregiver to take the clients body temperature each visit or as tolerated and monitor for fever, shortness of breath/ respiratory issues, and cough.The caregiver to complete Covid-19 Self-Care Log daily prior to arrival at any shift with the client and immediately report any symptoms to the Collier Home Care office at (239) 920-3902.Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in Florida, we have decided to take additional measures with the goal of keeping everyone safe and healthy.Effective Monday, July 6, all actively working caregivers are required to get the Covid-19 antibody test every two (2) weeks and provide our office with a copy of the results. In the event that a caregiver experiences symptoms at any time or tests positive for antibodies, he or she is to notify our office immediately and get a swab test done to determine if there is a current infection. The caregiver will be removed from providing any care until the office can verify a negative swab test result.To date, we are not aware of any clients, caregivers, or administrative staff that have tested positive for Covid-19 and we wish to keep it that way. Collier Home Careis determined to keep all our clients and caregivers safe and healthy, both physically and mentally, during these trying times. Please contact us with any questions you may have about our at-home care services or what were doing to limit the spread of Covid-19.Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

Almost all of us believe that retirement is the best time of life. Youve worked hard for many years and now comes the reward. Hopefully you have more money, free time, relatively good health and have fulfilled all (or most) of your familial and other responsibilities. Kick back and enjoy!Some Of Us Take To This Like A Duck To Water. To Those Lucky People, One Can Only Say ENJOY! Others, However, Really Have To Work On The How:How to create a new identity for yourself now that you dont have a work routineHow to establish new relationships, or reactivate old ones, find friends, now that contact with many office buddies has lapsedHow to find fulfillment and that sense of purpose, which can be so important to ones egoHow to find a balance between relaxation and stimulation after a demanding, and often, stressful careerSome retirees have been high-level executives whose opinion or decision was constantly sought after. Many were workers who were greatly appreciated in their organization. Others were small business owners who miss the continual challenges that they never seemed to escape. Others are parents or grandparents who were so important to their children or grandchildren in earlier years. Sometimes it is hard to realize that you still are important even when your kids or grandkids have grown up and dont need your hands-on support as before. We should all consider that a sign of achievement; job well-done! Still, sometimes despite a lifetime of success and achievement it feels like there is a hole that needs to be filled!So, How Does One Prepare For This New Phase Of Life?Weve mentioned in previous Collier Home Care blogs some nuts and bolts issues like where you will live, whether you should downsize your housing, and if you have adequate health insurance. Options for transitioning from an active work life into (a fulfilling!) retirement has also been discussed.Many dont give enough thought to what is really important to us. A friend dreamed about warm weather and beaches a few years back. He sold his house in Washington D.C., bought his special place in Florida, and expected all would be well. What he forgot was his outgoing personality, his need for friendships and, most of all, shared experiences. After a few years, he sold his Florida house, moved back to D.C. and is now a very happy retiree amidst his large network of long-term friends. We all have our priorities and personal needs!If you overcome the financial challenges of retirement, find opportunities to stay active and engaged with interests, hobbies, and activities, we often find that helping others (whether through volunteering or just assisting family with their life issues) can be an especially rewarding activity. Staying in contact with family, friends, and looking for chances to expand your social environment, you can create an attractive retirement lifestyle. I know one person who recently established a pickleball club in his community. Now about 20 neighbors play pickleball three times a week together. There are obviously no easy answers to successfully transition into retirement, and here is my sage advice try to think about what is important to you and plan ahead!And while you are planning, remember that sooner or later we all begin to slide physically; we all will need help from others to maintain our independence. If you have family close by, with the time to help you out, wonderful! If you are like most of us, you cant count on that. Some of you may end up as full or part-time residents in the Naples, Florida area. If you do, and are in need of senior home care assistance, consider calling Collier Home Care. Our goal is to provide at-home care services to seniors to meet their physical needs and, but almost more importantly, to assist them to continue living meaningful lives filled with optimism, plans for the future and above all the means to maintain their personal independence.Collier Home Care is ready to assist you or your loved one with senior home care services in the greater Naples area.

Catch Them When They're In A Positive Mood!Its human nature: Everyone is more receptive to talking when they're in a good mood. Instead of trying to talk with your elderly parents about home care options when they are tired, worried, or experiencing symptoms of physical or emotional pain, wait until they are feeling better. You know when your parents are in a good mood; wait until this opportune moment, and then bring up the subject. Keep The Conversation Casual And The Tone Light When you do bring up the topic of having home care assistance, do so in the most positive manner possible. Don't approach it with a heavy heart; bring it up in a casual manner, and give your parent time to process the information before you provide more details. It takes people time to get used to a new idea, and older people often need more time to warm up to a new concept, especially one that involves change. If you notice that your parents are starting to feel overwhelmed, change the subject to something else that will boost their spirits. Wait until another time to bring it up again. Its okay if it takes several tries on your part until they're open to the idea of a personal care assistant offering valuable help in the comfort of their own home.Present The BenefitsIs your parent struggling to get dressed in the morning? Could they use assistance with grooming or bathing? Have they complained to you about how hard it is to do certain tasks? When they do bring up how difficult certain things have become, you can gently offer up the option of a home care aide providing extra help to make these tasks easier to handle. Go ahead and mention all the benefits they'd enjoy with some extra help around the house.Focus On The Positives Of Remaining At HomeYour parent may complain about having someone else in their home with them. Be a gracious listener, and acknowledge their reservations, but don't back down! Instead, offer up positives. For example, your parent may not feel as tired or frustrated if someone was there to help with dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, for example. Always go back to the positives no matter how many concerns your loved one may raise. Ultimately, their mindset will change, and they may even feel excited and enthusiastic about the prospect of home care assistance to help with their everyday needs.Assure Your Elderly Parents That You Love ThemPerhaps your parents think you're abandoning them; assure them you are not! Let them know that you love them unconditionally, and that this is a way that everyone will feel better knowing that their needs will be taken care of. Assure them you are coming from a place of love!For More Information, Contact Collier Home CareWould you like more information about talking with your parents about home care assistance? We can help! Contact us, and one of our experienced staff members will provide the help you're looking for. Reach out to us today.Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, 96% of Americans own a cellphone of some kind, with 81% owning a smartphone. But many do not take advantage of all the features of the supercomputer that is small enough to fit into your pocket. In this age of technology, you can download applications (or apps) that can assist you with everyday life, including:CalendaringHave you made an appointment to see your doctor, but could use a little bit more of a reminder? Besides writing that appointment on the paper calendar that is pinned to your fridge, most smartphones come with a calendar app that can allow you to add any appointments regardless of date or time. In addition, you can also set reminders that will alert you prior to your appointments, from either 15 minutes or up to 2 hours. Should you have many appointments during the day, you can also avoid the burden of lugging your large calendar around and continue to use your smartphone!Weight LossA New Years resolution of many is that they will work to lose any extra pounds that they feel they have gained during the holiday season. One way to do so is by paying close attention to what you eat, when you eat it, and how much you have eaten. Doing so will make you more conscious of your diet and help you make healthier choices. We recommend Noom, an app that can help you do just that by allowing you to log your meals, while also giving you tips and tricks to help train you to adopt healthy eating habits.Learn a LanguageIn 2021, many are hoping for the end to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic so they can finally break out of their suitcase and travel. But if you intend to leave the country, it is always best to learn some basic phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. Try downloading a language app, such as Duolingo! With this app, you can quickly grasp the basics, as well as exercise your brain.MeditationYou encounter stress around every corner in your daily life. While you are rushing to put out fires, it is important to remember to reflect on yourself. Are you getting overwhelmed? Take some time out of your day to take a deep breath. Oak, a meditation and breathing exercise app, can guide you through several different meditation courses that vary by duration. And the best part is that it only takes 10 minutes of your day!Learn a New RecipeLooking for some inspiration to bring to your dinner table? You can always go out and purchase a new recipe book, but then you run the risk of purchasing too many books, and either receiving duplicative recipes or not having enough room to store your plethora of recipe books. Why not have all these recipes at your fingertips? Tasty, while appropriately named, is an app that stores any recipe you can think of, and so many more. With just one quick search, you are one step closer to preparing an amazing meal with no hassle!Apps are a wonderful addition to your life in this age of technology, although nothing can be substituted for a dependable, compassionate caregiver to assist you.Here are some ways a home health care provider at Collier Home Care can help you:Help withs hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/mobility, transferring, feeding, grooming, and continence. Grocery shopping and meal preparation Errands Driving Medication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medication Depending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in care. It is our pleasure to care for you, your family, and your loved ones.Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

Finding the right home health care provider essentially comes down to what your needs are. But finding a service that fits your needs may be harder than it sounds. One agency can provide very different services than another, offer different prices, have a different process for hiring and training nurses, and more. And when you're looking for someone to provide in-home care, its a very personal service and one that everyone involved needs to feel comfortable with.Collier Home Care has been providing the residents of Naples, FL, with exceptional home health care for years. We have a compassionate staff of skilled nurses, including certified nursing assistants (CNA), home health aides (HHA), registered nurses (RN), and licensed practical nurses (LPN). When it comes to providing the very best in-home health care, you can trust our team to be there for you.Things to Consider When Hiring a Home Health Care ProviderWhat Are Your Needs?Home health care agencies can offer a range of services, which include everything from basic companion care all the way to live-in care services. As you go about your day, think about which activities you need help with, whether its getting dressed in the morning, making meals, taking medication, getting around the house, shopping, or if its help with a particular disease.If you are looking for a provider for a loved one, do they need extensive help recovering from a surgery, dementia care, palliative care, or end of life care? When possible, get as much input from your loved one as possible in order to make a decision that is right for them.What is Your Budget?Its generally a good idea to consider your budget and what type of insurance you have even before you start looking at specific home health care providers. Under the right circumstances, you may be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or other long-term disability insurance if you have any. If you are eligible for Medicare, it can help cover the cost of skilled nursing, home health aides, therapy, certain medical supplies and equipment, and more. However, Medicare does not pay for 24-hour care or services like cleaning, laundry, and shopping.The finances surrounding elderly care can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming, but when you work with the right provider who has dedicated staff to walk you through your options, it can make the process much easier.Who Are You Comfortable With?A significant factor in finding the right provider is also finding the right nurse who you feel comfortable with. A majority of agencies have strict processes for hiring nurses, which include background checks and ensuring they have the appropriate certifications and training. But you will also want to make sure that the nurse is a good fit personality-wise. A home health care provider often spends a significant amount of time with you or your loved one, so its important to find someone you get along with and who can also provide exceptional care.Finding a home health care provider is undoubtedly an emotional process, but you can rest assured knowing that the Collier Home Care team is passionate about providing our clients with superior and compassionate care. Whatever your needs may be, you can count on us to be there for you and your family. Learn more about our areas of expertise, and give us a call today.Written & Submitted By: Collier Home Care- click here for more information*

CDC guidelines recommend that we clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, there may be some surfaces you may not even realize that you interact with daily that need to be disinfected.Tips For Keeping Your Home SanitizedCell PhonesWith the slow erosion of landlines, cell phones have become the dominant way to reach out and hold a conversation. As you hold your cell phone to your ear, you are transmitting oil, dead skin, and other particles to its surface. Cleaning your phone with a gentle cleansing wipe approved for electronics will prevent the spread of any of these particles.HandlesOpening your microwave or refrigerator is something you can do several times during the day without a thought. That is why it is important to make sure you are cleansing these areas with a disinfectant spray or wipe. This can prevent the transfer of germs to any of your food or beverages.Light SwitchesIt may take two people to change a lightbulb, but it only takes one person to prevent the spread of bacteria. Beginning to incorporate sanitizing your light switches into your cleaning routine can promote a continuously healthy lifestyle.Television RemoteAs you sit on the couch, scrolling through the TV Guide on your television remote, you may not think about the germs occupying the buttons that you are pressing. While washing your hands does help prevent the spread of bacteria, if the surfaces you touch already have bacteria on them, you may be wasting your time and your water!Contact Collier Home CareOur senior caregiversprovide light housekeeping, including wiping down frequently used surfaces, cleaning immediately living areas, and tidying up areas as used by our clients. Collier Home Care is dedicated to making sure all of our clients are able to live safely and independently in their homes.Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

If your'e burning the candle from both ends, there's no fire left for you.We at Collier Home Care have seen many cases of caregiver burnout. We suggest you read the article below and give us a call if you think that you or someone close may be suffering from caregiver burnout. We provide some suggestions below on avoiding or controlling burnout and we are happy to consult with you and make suggestions without any commitment.If someone were to ask you to care for a loved one, what would you say? Yes? No?Initially, the idea of caring for someone you love may seem normal, helpful, and relatively easy. How hard could it be? But, heres the reality: over time, continuous care takes a toll.Caregiver burnout, otherwise known as compassion fatigue, is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Caregiver burnout becomes a major issue when caregivers dont take the time they need to fully recharge and care for themselves. Its common for caregivers to feel guilty spending time on themselves rather than with ill or elderly loved ones, but as they continue to put the needs of others before their own, their ability to care for themselves and the people they work with becomes affected.Its also not uncommon for caregivers to work multiple jobs and offer care for different families. Its easy to see how with a full schedule and the needs of their own family, a caregivers self-care ultimately takes a backseat.According to VITAS, common signs of caregiver burnout include:Lack of energyOverwhelming fatigueTrouble sleepingChanges in eating habitsWeight loss or weight gainFeelings of hopelessnessLosing interest in things you used to enjoyNeglecting your own physical & emotional needsFeeling as though caregiving is controlling your lifeBecoming impatient, irritable, or argumentativeAnxiety about the futureDepression or mood swingsDo any of these sound or feel familiar? If they do, here are five ways caregivers can avoid burnout:Ask for help and take people up on it. Asking for help does not make you a bad caregiver. Let go of the idea that one person has to do it all. Were meant to rest, recharge our batteries, and enjoy a break from work at the end of the day. When people say they want to lend a hand, let them.Delegate tasks to others. Whether its cooking dinner twice a week for you or following through and arriving on-time, let people know how they can show up for you.Stay invested in your own well-being. Eating healthy, staying active, and getting enough sleep are the basic foundations of well-being. Theyre also the building blocks of your immune system, which is important so you can stay healthy and avoid getting sick.Pamper yourself when you can. Caregiving is tough work. Make an opportunity to wind down at the end of the day with a long bath, or put a massage on your calendar. Take time for yourself by writing in a journal, praying, or meditating. Find what connects you back to your center and stay faithful to those practices.Know when its time to call in the professionals. Oftentimes, home care agencies get called in when caregivers reach a breaking point, but with home care it doesnt have to be all or nothing. Were flexible. Depending on what you need, we offer between one and 24 hours of service, plus live-in care.If someone you know is exhibiting signs of caregiver burnout, please share these ideas with them. If you know of someone who could use a hand (or if thats you), please contact Collier Home Care.It continues to be our pleasure to care for you, your family, and your loved ones.Please stay healthy and stay well!Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care - click here for more information

For more information on the author Collier Home Care, LLC., CLICK HERE.There are many advantages to having a private caregiver provide senior home health care services in your own home, or for your loved one in their home. Today we address seven of the top benefits of senior care at home.As you can imagine, there are other benefits, too. After you've read our blog, feel free to reach out to Collier Home Care with any questions you may have. We are a trusted provider of home care services in the greater Naples, FL region, and well be happy to share with you the senior care options available in our area.Freshly Prepared MealsYou or your loved one may not have the time, ability, or desire to prepare fresh-cooked meals that are balanced, nutritious, and delicious. This is where a skilled caregiver can fill in. Meal preparation, as well as help with feeding (if needed), is something that a home health aide (HHA) can provide through personal care or companion care services.If you're tired of cooking for yourself, your'e finding it difficult to plan and prepare meals, or you simply don't have the time or energy to invest in meal preparation, don't worry. A qualified HHA can do this for you so that you can continue to enjoy healthy meals without the hassle of the many kitchen tasks you or a loved one would otherwise have to be responsible for.Help With What You NeedAnother great thing about elder care services at home is the fact that you get the help that you need, without having to pay for what you don't need. If you just need someone to stop by every morning for an hour or two to help you get dressed, washed, groomed, and ready for the day, this is available to you. Or if you need someone to check in on you or a loved one a couple of times a week, this is another option you can select. One of the great things about home care is that you can make use of the services that you actually need, without even having to consider the services you don't need or don't want. Its all about customization and the level of care that you're comfortable with.Being Able To Live IndependentlyWith a helping hand from a skilled HHA, you can continue to live independently in your own home. This means that you can continue with your schedule and the activities you enjoy, without interruption, while getting the assistance that you need provided at a time that's convenient for you. With many different care-at-home options to choose from, you can continue to live as independently as you want, knowing that the help that you need to make this happen is available to you when you need it.Enjoying Your Own HomeThose who choose home care services benefit from being able to remain in their own home and enjoy the comfort of familiar surroundings. Elder care services provided at home can be scheduled in a way that's most convenient for you, without you having to give up the house that you know and love. Many seniors find that having a caregiver come to your home leads to a more relaxed experience where you have fewer interruptions to your routine, a more comfortable environment, and a higher quality of life, compared to being in an assisted living community.A Cheerful Person To Talk WithWhether you opt for personal care or companion care services, your caregiver will be there for you not just to help with practical needs, but also to serve as a positive, cheerful presence and someone to talk to.For family members who live far away or who have other responsibilities and cannot spend as much time with the senior loved one as they'd like, knowing that a reliable, friendly caregiver is watching after their loved one is a source of tremendous peace of mind.When a senior has someone come in to assist and accompany them on a regular basis, mood improves, depression diminishes, and anxiety levels go down as well. It gives the individual something to look forward to each day, along with the assurance that a competent caregiver will be there to depend on.Assistance With ErrandsMany seniors can handle the day-to-day tasks at home just fine but need assistance with the extra errands that need to be done from time to time. Whether its doing groceries, going to the post office, or taking care of any other activities outside of the home, a companion caregiver can prove to be a valuable asset.Medical Assistance In The Privacy Of Your Own HomeBoth skilled nursing and supervised living care are available for delivering medical assistance in the comfort and privacy of your own home. If you need someone to tend to your wounds, to provide post-surgery care, to administer injections, or to perform catheter maintenance services, for example, you will benefit from senior care services provided by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This is far more convenient and comfortable than having to go to another location for medical care.Learn About The Senior Care Options In Our RegionNow that you've learned about seven important benefits you or your loved one can enjoy from elder care at home, you may want to give one of these senior care options a try. Get in touch with Collier Home Care today and we will be happy to help you navigate your options and decide what's right for you or your loved one.We are available to offer a full spectrum of senior care services. We can guide you through the process and discuss your unique needs. Collier Home Care genuinely believes in helping families, seniors, and disabled individuals throughout the greater Naples, FL region by providing what YOU need. Get in touch with us today to learn which home care services can help you the most! Whether its meal prep, assistance with the tasks of daily living, or simply having someone around for company and care, were sure our services can help the senior in your life.

For more information on the author Collier Home Care, CLICK HERE.A Variety Of Care Options In Naples, FLOur region is a beautiful area with a warmer climate that appeals to individuals of all ages. From boating and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sunshine and water sports, to seniors who are done with cold, snowy weather and are ready for summer- and spring-like conditions year-round, Naples offers a great location for enjoying everything that life offers!Many individuals have lived in the area for many years and enjoy the benefits of this region. They also enjoy living in the place they've called home for so many years.While some seniors look forward to going to an assisted living (AL) community, many others would rather continue living in their own homes, where they are comfortable and where they've made wonderful memories.For those individuals who wish to continue living in their own home, a number of senior care options exist. In todays blog, we want to focus on two options in particular: personal care and companion care.The Benefits Of Aging In Place (In Your Own Home)If you're a senior, a person with a disability, or a family member of a loved one who needs extra care, you may want a solution that's the least disruptive to everyone. Personal care or companion care can attend to the individuals needs without uprooting them from the home they know and love. They can continue to live in the comfort of their own home with assistance from compassionate caregivers who help with the essentials of daily life and provide companionship. Daily interaction with other people is vital at any age, and seniors are no exception.In-home care can be especially beneficial for families who live apart, even several states away. Knowing that your loved one is being cared for compassionately can give you peace of mind if you cannot tend to their needs yourself.It Can Save You MoneyMany people are unprepared for the price tag that comes with being in an assisted living community. The fact of the matter is that the monthly cost of assisted living in a dedicated facility is high. For individuals who want to be frugal or who are unable to afford to live in such a community, a more economical solution is to stay at home and have an in-home caregiver come in for a few hours to help out with daily tasks.A Sense Of ContinuityWhat's more, staying at the home that you know and love gives you a sense of continuity. You can keep going with your current lifestyle, in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by your prized possessions and the things that make you happy and serve you well, without having to downsize or deal with the significant disruption of a move.About Personal CareNow that we've talked about senior care options and covered some of the benefits of having professional care at home, lets go over what personal care is and what to expect from these services.Personal care assistance provides valuable, targeted help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), enabling the individual to continue to live independently and safely in their own home. These services are provided by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Home Health Aide (HHA).Types Of Personal Care ServicesOne of the great things about home health care services in Naples, FL is that you can specify which services you want. You can also determine how many hours per day or per week the caregiver will stay in your home.The types of services that are available include the following:Washing and bathing, including getting into the tub or shower enclosure and cleaning any hard-to-reach spotsDressing, such as helping with getting shirts over your head and handling challenges like zippers, buttons, and claspsGrooming, including brushing teeth, combing hair, and shavingTransferring in and out of a bed, chair, couch, or other furniture, as well as repositioning in bed, as neededMobility assistance, including help with walking using a cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair, or other assistive devicesToileting, including sitting down or standing up from the commode, or incontinence careExercises, in particular, assistance with prescribed range of motion exercisesLight housekeeping, such as folding clothes out of the dryer or wiping down the table after meals, for exampleMeal help, including with preparation or with feeding, as neededObservation and notification, which means keeping an eye on the individual and notifying family members or the home care agency of any changes or concernsMeasuring vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respirationOffering medication reminders and monitoring self-administration of medicinesPreparing any special diets the individual may needIts important to note that not every individual needs everything on this list! Personal care services are tailored to the individual, with only the services that are needed included in the regimen. Before deciding on what care to deliver, the home care agency will carefully go over with you what's needed so that any gaps that exist are addressed and you get the level of care that's customized to fit your particular situation. This is an efficient system that gives you the right combination of care that you need and independence that you want.About Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs)A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA or Home Health Aide (HHA) may provide care to an individual in his or her home environment only if the person is under a Florida physicians care. A Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide shall be limited to helping a person with bathing/showering, dressing/undressing, toileting/incontinence care, grooming, eating, physical transfer, ambulation and those normal daily routines the patient could perform for himself or herself were he or she physically capable. A Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide may not provide medical or other health care services that require specialized training from a licensed health care professionals (LPN or RN).More About Personal Care ServicesIn a previous section, weve listed what types of personal care services are available, and we emphasized that not every individual needs every service that a home health care agency offers. Know that personal care services are tailored to the clients needs, and the needs will differ from one person to the next, and from one geographical region to another.For example, here in Naples, FL, a client wont need help putting on thick, heavy sweaters or big winter coats! The client may need help with buttoning a blouse, though, or lacing up comfortable walking shoes.In addition, a Florida senior may need more showers due to our hot and humid climate than someone in a drier, cooler climate would need.Its Not One Size Fits AllHome care services are designed to meet each client where they're at. Quite simply, as the clients, you and your family specify what personal care services are right for you. Typically, your physician also offers input that the agency takes into account. Its all about creating the best, safest, and most comfortable home environment for seniors to thrive in!What About Companion Care?Now that we've covered personal care services extensively, lets move into companion care.What is senior companion care, and what does this type of care involve? Our companion, elder care services are designed to assist clients who are independent in their activities of daily living (ADLs) but still need some assistance with homemaking and companionship activities.For example, a companion caregiver can play board games with an individual, sit with the client in the living room while watching a favorite television program or listening to the senior reminisce about places they've traveled to and fascinating life experiences they've had. Its all about keeping the senior company and raising their quality of life. The caregiver can also tend to simple tasks that can mean a lot to the client, such as making a cup of tea or bringing them a glass of juice to keep them hydrated and in a positive mood.Types Of Companion Care ServicesIts possible for there to be some overlap in terms of services covered by a personal care assistant or a companion caregiver. At Collier Home Care, all personal and companion care services are provided by Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides. In general, senior companion care involves the following types of tasks:Errands, including shopping for groceries, picking up medicines at the pharmacy, mailing correspondence, or dropping off books at the libraryDriving to appointments and social engagements; for example, this can include trips to the hair salon or attending community eventsMeal preparation, everything from heating up leftovers to making fresh salads and other meals from scratchLight housekeeping tasks, such as making beds, washing a few dishes after a meal, or sweeping up the enclosed patioLaundry tasks, including taking clothes from the dryer and folding themAttending medical appointments, which can include driving to and from the appointment or accompanying the client on a shuttle ride, as well as taking pertinent notes during the appointment to relay this info back to family membersKeeping the client company to raise spirits and combat loneliness, boredom, and depressionJoining the client in social activities, everything from participating in a favorite hobby to going to the moviesCNAs and HHAsAt Collier Home Care, we vet candidates extensively to make sure they have the right skills, temperament, and friendly personality to assist the seniors we serve.Our at-home caregivers go through a very rigorous screening process to make sure we hire only the best. This process coincides with the guidelines that govern our license and are instituted by the Agency for Health Care AdministrationWe understand the importance of safety and dignity when it comes to taking care of individuals in their home, and we also understand the unique needs of seniors. We keep these points in mind when we hire individuals to serve as personal caregivers and companion care specialists through our agency.More About Senior Companion Care ServicesHow can a senior benefit from companion care services? The answer is: In so many wonderful ways!A person may be able to live independently enough to not require help with daily activities, but may need help with occasional driving, grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-up, and other life necessities. Or the individual may feel isolated and would benefit from a caring, responsible person to have around the house from time to time for conversation and company.As always, when it comes to senior care, there are many options here in Naples, FL! Learn how Collier Home Care can assist with personal care and companion care services here in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers.Assisting Our Senior PopulationsMany people move away from other states and settle here in Florida because of our milder climate and warm winters. They're happy to get away from snow and bitter cold temperatures, but they may not have the communities they were accustomed to back home. It takes time to establish new bonds.Collier Home Care understands that the seniors in our region, whether they've been here a long time and have established strong bonds or they're newcomers and are still developing new friendships, have specific needs and wants. Many want to remain in their homes, living as independently as possible for as long as possible. At the same time, they want to live in comfort and safety, with access to the assistance they need for daily living activities. We are here to meet the needs of our valuable senior community through reliable, high-quality in-home care services.Special Attention To Unique NeedsWhat's more, our caregivers are skilled at working with different needs and specific conditions. These include:Post-stroke careParkinson'sAlzheimer's and dementiaPost-surgery careDiabetes managementHospice careSpecial assistance for other conditionsThe skilled caregivers Collier Home Care sends to our clients residences for personal or companion care services are trained in working with these and other conditions.If You Have Any QuestionsWe understand that its not always easy to decipher the different senior care options available to you and your loved ones here in the greater Naples, FL region. Thats why we invite you to reach out to us with any questions you may have! We will do our utmost to answer them in order to empower you to make the decision that's right for you. Contact Collier Home Care in Naples, FL to learn more.

When the health of a loved one is on the fine line between being able to stay at home and needing to go to a nursing home facility, it causes an incredible amount of pain and heartache for the family. Of course, everyone wants a senior loved one to be able to stay at home, but when medical assistance is required at home, there are several factors to consider before a decision can be made that is best for everyone.At Collier Home Care, we are passionate about providing exceptional, compassionate home health care for seniors throughout the Naples, Florida area. We understand that making these decisions is beyond difficult, but we can be there to offer guidance and home care from skilled nursing professionals if you decide for your loved one to remain at home. What to Consider When Deciding Between At-Home Care and a Nursing Home The Needs of Your Loved One The first and most important thing to consider is what your elderly loved one needs. What are they capable of doing themselves? What type of care do they need? Where will they best be able to get the level of care they need?What medical condition your loved one has is a significant factor. For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's, who have had a stroke, or are struggling with Parkinson's disease, it may be difficult for a spouse or adult child to provide them with the proper care and attention they need. They may be better cared for, in this case, at a nursing home.If your loved one is able to move around on their own, does not require specialized care, but still requires some medical assistance, that may be enough to warrant them staying at home and hiring a home health agency for regularly scheduled home care or live-in home care, if finances allow for it.The Needs of the FamilyUnless families are able to hire a full-time home health care provider, it often puts some responsibility on the spouse or adult children.Are children located in the area?Do children or does the spouse have the knowledge to provide proper care?Do they have the time to provide care?Does the spouse have emotional support or are they able to take care of themselves as well as their loved one?Even when the family is able to provide help so that a loved one can remain at home, the questions above can offer some insight into whether or not that's the right decision for their loved one. Providing certain types of medical care requires specialized training, can take a significant amount of time, and can cause a lot of anguish and stress especially for the family.CostsThe cost of at-home care and nursing home care is one of the biggest factors in this decision. Both options can be quite expensive if there insurance or Medicaid aren't available. An at-home care agency is often the less expensive option, but this will depend significantly on the type of services provided and the amount of time the provider is at the home. If a family does not qualify for Medicaid, there are options available that can make it possible, but that process will require the services of an estate attorney.Partner With Collier Home Care in Naples, FloridaIf you 're considering your options and would like to talk with our team about the home healthcare services we provide and if they are financially feasible for you, please don't hesitate to schedule a consultation. We strive to provide expert care and affordable services to ensure your loved one can remain safely at home if that's what you decide.Submitted and Written By: Collier Home Care, LLC - click for more information

We at Collier Home Care (CHC) want you to stay safe during this challenging period of hurricanes and COVID-19. CHC is a private duty home care company located in Naples, Florida, and is licensed to provide companion care, personal and skilled nursing carein Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. We are a local, family-owned company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. To learn more about Collier Home Care please call our main office line at (239) 920-3902 or visit us online at www.collierhomecare.com. We are more than happy to discuss your current needs with you and help you determine what level of care you need.We encourage you to read the following guidance on hurricane preparations!How to Stay Prepared During Hurricane Season For SeniorsHurricane season is not an easy time of year for the people living in susceptible areas such as Naples, Florida. The advantage a hurricane has over other natural events like earthquakes and fires is time. It takes time for hurricanes to form and make landfall which means people have time to prepare. Keep reading to learn how to stay prepared during hurricane season.Pack a Go Bag or BoxA go-bag or go-box is a cornerstone of hurricane preparedness. The contents of your bag or box will vary depending on your needs. But Ready.gov recommends having a few basics in there.For two people, you should prepare:Two masksHand sanitizer (60% alcohol minimum)Soap bar or liquid soapSanitizing wipes (If available)Emergency medication supplyMedical supplies (if applicable)First aid kitFoodWaterRadioFully charged portable chargers for cell phones and devices.FlashlightsBatteriesPersonal itemsImportant documentsFor Pets:FoodWaterLeashCollarCarrier, seatbelt, or harness for the car.Medications and treatments (if applicable)Copy of vet recordsHow Caregivers Can Help Seniors PrepareCaregivers can also assist with hurricane preparations by creating bags or boxes with the list mentioned above for clients and themselves. Other things not on the list above may be needed such as a wheelchair, hearing aids, wound supplies, or special medical equipment. Get emergency quantities to include in the go-bag if possible. For supplies unable to be packed, keep them close at hand to grab easily. Dont forget to make copies of medical cards and records as appropriate in case the client needs medical treatment.Reach out to transportation companies early if clients require evacuation by special transport or ambulance so they can help evacuate quickly. Keep medical alert bracelets or other wearable ID bands on the client just in case they are separated from you.Stay Informed and Make a PlanBefore a hurricane hits, make sure to keep up to date on the latest information. This starts with understanding your risk. Since a pandemic is going on, staying home has been the safest place to be. But a hurricane can change that. Due to the high winds, rain, and water that hurricanes generate, riding out a storm at home has its risks. Listen to the latest news to know when a hurricane watch and hurricane evacuation are called for your area so you know when to leave. Evacuations may happen by zone so look up your zone as well.Next, determine what your evacuation route will be. There may be more than one way to leave your area. So make a plan that incorporates one of them and back up plans that incorporate the others in case a route doesnt work out.Know where shelters will be located outside of the evacuation zone. Due to the pandemic, shelter locations may be different from previous years. Identify other safe places to stay as well such as another relatives home, a friends house, or a hotel to stay at.Most importantly, decide early whether you will stay or go, especially with elderly people who need care and assistance. Prevent getting stuck on an evacuation route or at home by being proactive.Caregivers can assist with companion home care, personal home care, and skilled nursing home care before, during, or following a hurricane. Companion care consists of companionship, meal preparation, grocery shopping, errands, medication reminding, light housekeeping, laundry, and pet care. Personal care provided by a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) entails hands-on or stand by assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking, grooming, and feeding. Skilled nursing care consists of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) assisting with skilled activities such as nursing assessments, nursing oversight, medication management, medication administration, med box fills, wound care, home safety inspections, care after surgery, blood sugar testing, and injections.Stay Safe While EvacuatedObserve social distancing while evacuated and continue to wash hands often. Dont forget to wear a mask while around other people who dont live with you. If you do stay in a shelter, disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items.After You ReturnAfter the storm, cleaning up your home might be necessary, and a caregiver may come in handy. Make sure to wear masks and gloves during the clean-up process and wash your hands often. A caregiver can help with light housekeeping such as vacuuming, mopping, wiping down counters, putting dishes away, sanitizing surfaces, dusting, and laundry. Power and water may take time to restore if they are out. For those who choose to use a generator, make sure to use them outside only and to keep doors open to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.If you experienced a medical issue or injury while evacuated, get medical treatment recommendations from your provider. Any wounds you have must be kept clean until they can be attended to prevent infection. If you do need ongoing medical treatment, having an LPN and RN in place should be a priority for you.Be aware that rats or mice may have attempted to get inside your home. Watch for any rodent activity and take measures to get rid of them if necessary.Preparing for and staying safe during a hurricane takes work, planning, and thought. If you need help or assistance preparing for the storm or evacuating, reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Taking these measures to prepare for a current storm as well as future storms will help you through this natural event time and again.Submitted and Written By:Collier Home Care, LLC - click here for more information

For more information on Collier Home Care, Click Here.Laughter is brightest where food is best. Irish ProverbCollier Home Care can provide your loved one with a home health aide(HHA) or a certified nursing assistant(CNA) to protect and keep them independent in their home, but with the holidays quickly approaching, can we also protect them from the consequences of Thanksgivings delectable dishes? Americans take in 3,000 to 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving celebrations, according to estimates by the Calorie Control Council.While nothing can beat a good meal, here are some healthier ways to prepare your favorites without sacrificing taste.Sweet PotatoesSweet Potato Casseroles are a widely requested Thanksgiving side dish, as the comforting smell of marshmallow, cinnamon, and brown sugar can put you right in the holiday spirit. However, all these sweet ingredients spell out calorie chaos. To make sweet potatoes a healthy addition to your meal, try baking them for 40 minutes with a light drizzle of olive oil, mash, and add butter to taste for a dish packed Vitamin C and potassium, as well as a good source of fiber.Green Bean CasseroleCream of mushroom soup and fried onion strings; delicious, but deadly for your diet. One healthy alternative, Lemony Green Beans with Almond Breadcrumbs, allows for crisp green beans topped with a blend of toasted almonds, breadcrumbs, garlic, and lemon zest. This is the perfect way to build on a classic without sacrificing flavor!StuffingAlthough there are good carbohydrates versus bad carbohydrates, it may take you forever to distinguish between the two when it comes to one of the most popular holiday dishes: stuffing. In lieu of excess starch, try substituting this with a simple vegetable and fruit platter. Still delicious, and nutritious!TurkeyNone can replace the head of the table, the king of Thanksgiving, the turkey. However, buying a 10 plus pound turkey and going through the hassle of cooking this large bird can be avoided by purchasing a package of turkey breasts and seasoning them with a light dusting of salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Voila! Now you have a healthy protein without taking too much time or counter space.We are here to support you and your loved ones during this hectic holiday season by providing caregivers to assist you. Here are some ways Collier Home Care can help you:Help with stand by or hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/mobility, transferring, feeding, grooming, and continence.Grocery shopping and meal preparationErrandsDrivingMedication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medicationDepending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in care. It is our pleasure to care for you, your family, and your loved ones.

For more information on the author Collier Home Care, CLICK HERE.Many seniors opt to live at home during their retirement years. It makes sense to want to be in a familiar, comfortable environment, a place that has truly been made home through years of hard work and loving care.In many instances, these individuals can benefit greatly from a level of in-home care assistance. In todays blog, we cover some of the important in-home care services that caregivers provide to help seniors remain in the comfort and security of their own home.If you or a loved one could use assistance in any of these areas, feel free to contact Collier Home Care and inquire about our home health care services in and around Naples, Florida.Personal Care Services Help With Everyday TasksAs we get older, tasks that we once rushed through without even thinking about can become more challenging, and facing a long list of everyday activities that need to be done on a regular basis can become daunting.With expert help in the key areas that need to be addressed, stress is greatly reduced and quality of life can increase by leaps and bounds! Personal care tasks can fall within any of these categories:Bathing and Grooming: Getting into the tub and accessing all those hard-to-reach places can make bathing, showering, and grooming a challenge. In-home caregivers are trained to assist with these important tasks for the health and hygiene of the client.Getting Dressed: Whether its handling the mechanics of buttons, zippers, and shoelaces, or finding it hard to pull down a shirt or dress over your head, a caregiver can help.Moving Around: When mobility becomes limited, getting in and out of a bed or chair, repositioning in bed, or walking from one room to the next (including with a cane, walker, wheelchair, or crutches) can be very challenging.Bathroom Care: From toileting to incontinence care, at-home caregivers are trained to provide help with the utmost professionalism.Exercises: Whether the client has an exercise program that he or she wants to follow, or a set of exercises prescribed by a medical professional (such as a physical therapist) that needs to be completed each day, senior home care can assist.Meals and Diets: If a client needs a hand with eating, preparing meals, or measuring portions for special diets, home health care can be invaluable.Medication Reminders: If you are having a hard time remembering to take your medications, an at-home caregiver can provide gentle reminders.Light Housekeeping: Tasks like clearing the table after a meal, tidying up the bathroom after a bath, or making the beds in the morning can be taken care of by at-home caregivers.With professional assistance in one or more of these areas, individuals can continue to live at home independently, benefiting from senior home care that targets the services that need to be delivered without interfering with the individuals freedom, independence, or autonomy.Companion Care Combats Loneliness And DepressionWhen a person has spent a lifetime studying, working, and engaging in social activities, suddenly being at home day after day without the level of structure they've been accustomed to can be a bit of a shock. Loneliness can set in, along with symptoms of depression.To combat this, many families turn to companion care for their senior loved ones. Even if just for a few hours a day, companion care can boost morale, serving as a way to keep your loved one engaged and connected. Especially for families who live far away or who have a lot going on and cant spend as much time with the senior family member as they'd like, companion care is a godsend.Daily visits provide companionship as well as help with certain tasks, including the following:Shopping and Errands: Whether its a trip to the grocery store or a stop at the pharmacy, companion caregivers can assist with errands.Laundry and Light Housekeeping: While the caregiver keeps the senior company, she or he can assist with light cleaning as well as laundry duties (washing a load and folding clothes).Attending Appointments: A caregiver can drive a senior to and from medical and self-care appointments (such as, to a hair or nail salon) and keep the individual company during the appointment.Social Activities: Whether its playing cards and board games at home, or going to the movies or special events, caregivers can help seniors engage in fun activities.Skilled Nursing Care Assists With Medical ServicesThe third major category of in-home care services offered through senior home care agencies deals with medical services. Skilled nursing care assists with tasks associated with taking care of a seniors health and are provided by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.In-home medical care services may involve one or more of the following:Vital Signs: Measuring and monitoring blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse, and temperature readings.Medication Management: Setting up what medicines the senior needs to take, helping with administering medication, and providing medication reminders.Post-surgery Care: Following surgery or an injury, skilled nursing care can provide help with everything from catheter maintenance to wound care.Injections: If the senior needs insulin or other injections, a skilled nursing caregiver can take care of this important task.Blood Sugar Testing: Certain medications require someone to first test blood sugar levels (and other markers) before the right dose can be administered.Skilled nursing assistance provides the practical health-related services that a client needs to safely remain in the comfort and familiarity of home.Reach Out To Collier Home Care To Learn More About In-home CareNow that you know a bit more about the key tasks that in-home care services can help with, maybe its time to reach out to get the specialized assistance that you or your loved one needs. Bring your questions to Collier Home Care; we serve the greater Naples, FL region, and we can help you through any of our in-home care services.

For more information on the author Collier Home Care, LLC., CLICK HERE.The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs. Charles de GaulleWe, at Collier Home Care, agree with those who believe that pets can be great companions! They are often considered to be part of the family and are said to provide health and mental/emotional benefits. Undoubtedly, Pets can have a significant and positive impact on a seniors quality of life.In 2018, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging sampled adults 50-80 years of age on the benefits and challenges of taking care of a pet 88% said their pets helped them enjoy life, 86% said that their pets made them feel loved, and 79% said their pets helped reduce stress. According to A Place for Mom, pet ownership can improve a seniors physical health and mental and emotional well-being.Physical health benefits may include:Lower blood pressure: the simple act of petting an animal can lead to lowering your blood pressure.Increased life expectancy: caring for a pet can produce many health benefits that often lead to a longer and healthier life.Greater mobility: walking a pet regularly is great exercise!Heart attack recovery: seniors who own a dog or cat were found to recover quicker after a heart attack.Pain relief: a study from Loyola University found that seniors engaged in pet therapy required significantly less medication for pain.Mental and emotional health benefits may include:Reduced loneliness: companionship from an animal can be very comforting!Reduced stress: having a pet around often makes you feel better and reduces stress.Dementia and Alzheimer;s: pets have been known to calm someone struggling with Dementia and Alzheimers.Increased confidence: a study from Miami University found that pet owners have higher self-esteem.Social interaction: pets and more specifically dogs have helped their owners meet new people and interact generally more with others.However, there may come a time when you still benefit from the unconditional love from a pet but are unable to regularly walk or care for the pet. Thats where Collier Home Care can help not only can we help you, but we can also help care for your pet and the caregiver who comes to your home will love caring for animals!Here are some ways we can help you:Help with standby or hands-on assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/mobility, transferring, feeding, grooming, and continence.Grocery shopping and meal preparationLight housekeepingMedication reminding or assistance with self-administration of medicationHere are some ways we can help your pet:Feed your pet and supply with fresh waterGo for a walk with your pet and you (if possible!)Clean up after your petPlay with your petShopping for pet foodGrooming your petAsking for someone to lend a hand can be hard to do, but its important. Oftentimes seniors will call us when they want to stay safely, securely, and independently in their home, and this often involves some degree of care for a pet.Depending on what you need, Collier Home Care offers between one and 24 hours a day service, plus live-in care. It is our pleasure to care for you, your family, your loved ones, and your pets!If we can help with home health care services or determine an appropriate level of care, click above.