Are you a family caregiver? Chances are, you may not even realize you are because you are simply doing what comes naturally for your family.But the reality is that there are millions of people helping family members live their best life. This could include activities important for daily living such as bathing and dressing, paying bills, shopping and providing transportation. It also may involve emotional support and help with managing a chronic disease or disability.President Joe Biden recently proclaimed April 2023 as National Care Workers Month and encouraged Americans to celebrate the contributions of care workers to our country.Across America, care workers help raise our children, assist seniors as they age with dignity, and support people with disabilities giving families peace of mind and making it possible for millions of Americans to earn a paycheck while their loved ones are safe and secure, said President Biden. These unsung heroes strengthen our communities and form the backbone of our nations economy.All of us here at SYNERGY HomeCare want to shine a light on the 34.2 million Americans who have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.First things first: we applaud you. Family caregiving is one of the most stressful and rewarding roles that anyone may ever face. Thats why its so important that you take care of yourself as well.In order to ensure you are providing the best possible care to your loved ones, pay attention to signs of caregiver stress and burnout such as:Lack of focusIrritabilityAn overwhelming sense of pressureDisruptions in your eating/sleeping habitsPoor performance at workIf you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consider respite care. Companies like SYNERGY HomeCare can provide help and give you a much-needed break. Our team of specially trained, professional caregivers provide compassionate care to clients across the country.We are deeply proud to be recognized this April by President Biden. Everyone in our company has an authentic desire to help people and make their lives fuller. Our caregivers positively impact the lives of the people they care for and their families because they are genuinely invested in the lives of their clients.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.

For more information on the author, Synergy, CLICK HERE!Home care for yourself or an aging loved one is not on the foremost thoughts of most people until it becomes a necessity. At that point, the decisions made about care and support are made under a great deal of stress and without having the time to ask all of the questions you want or ensure the quality of care matches your needs. Along with the stress also comes misconceptions about home care, what it is and what it is not.Our society emphasizes maintaining health, independence and youth while aging is a natural part of life that we should embrace. People do'nt want to age and view caregiving services for seniors as tethering that could affect their independence and freedom, or simply something that only old people need. In reality, in-home care for seniors is precisely the opposite. You see, it is not a four-letter word at all.By looking into home care services before they are an absolute must, you have more time to explore your options, communicate your needs and decide what type of services are right for you. It is important to explore different home care services that can meet your individual needs. Use these15 questions to ask a potential home care provider to ensure it is a trustworthy and capable agency. The time you allow yourself will also help you understand what in-home care is and how it provides an optimal level of support for seniors who want to stay in a familiar environment but get a little extra support with daily living tasks.Once you identify potential concerns about your loved one, the second step is planning for the future. Here is something from high schoolers to consider: When high school students begin thinking about college, they start looking at schools they are interested in nearly two years before applying. So, why is this not the same for seniors planning for their Golden Years? Why do'nt adult children prepare with Mom and Dad for the future? Think about it.Maintain independence LongerAARP reports that 76% of Americans over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes as long as possible. In-home care is a fantastic solution for seniors who may struggle with vision or hearing problems and mobility concerns. Instead of moving to an assisted living facility, aging adults can stay in their own homes and communities safely with in-home care. Consider home care as assisted living in your own home, and here are eight unthinkable reasons seniors should remain in their own homes.Home care assists in many different areas to meet individual needs. Home care aides can provide transportation to and from doctor appointments, light housekeeping, assist with hygiene and personal care while providing companionship to those who are'nt able to socialize as much.Some seniors don't require as much support but might need some assistance to remain independent. In-home care is versatile to support those who need daily assistance and those who may only need help two or three times a week. That's not a four-letter word in the traditional sense. It is more akin to the loving definition of the word care. Right?Find the support you can trustHome care aides are experienced in what they do and enjoy providing compassionate care for seniors to thrive. These caregivers are professionally trained and supported to provide the best service to their clients and want their clients to feel like they can trust them. Home care is where you will find compassionate aides who will listen to your needs and help you feel more comfortable and safer in your home.Support for those who do not have family caregiversMany seniors rely on family members to help them out around the house, run errands, make dinner, and remember doctor appointments. But there are many seniors who don't have family members that they can lean on for that support. For those, home care services provide an enormous amount of support that they might not otherwise be able to find. Home care is not a four-letter word that needs to avoid home care services can become a valuable and desired addition to a seniors life. Take time to learn more about how home care services can provide support, comfort, and strength to those who need it.Home care is also an excellent way to bridge the inconvenience of a senior aging alone when their family or adult children live across the country. There's a lot to be said about the welcomed communication between the home care agency and a seniors adult children who may live 1,500 miles away. In some ways, for a far-away family, its like living next door because now they know how their loved one is doing every day from a professional and trusted third party. They don't have to guess how their aging parents are doing or feel guilty for not being there. Yes, home care is a four-letter word, LOVE.

Person-centered care is an effective approach for optimizing quality of life as well as outcomes for people receiving care. This involves treating the person, not their condition, by taking the time to get to know the person and incorporate who they are into the provision of care an approach that creates a bond between the caregiver and care receiver.Related to that is the importance of respecting a persons current abilities. Rather than focusing on what someone can no longer do, the ideal caregiver tries to be in the moment with them and meet them where they are.Other Person-Centered Care Characteristics:SincerityCaregivers genuinely care about the people they care for and have a desire to make their lives as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. This compassion is one of the defining characteristics of a caregiver.CompetencyPeople receiving care may be scared or insecure about their need for care so its helpful to reassure them by exhibiting confidence and competence. If a person believes in your abilities, they will feel more secure, safe and engaged.CommittedGood caregivers advocate for their loved ones. They ask questions and expect answers. They also learn about their loved ones condition, and they make sure their loved one gets the care they need.UpliftingCaregivers understand that there will be good days and bad days. They try to focus on the positive and find the silver lining in every situation. This positive outlook is contagious and can often help the people theyre caring for feel better about themselves.CollaborativeA good caregiver recognizes that they are part of an extended care team that may include doctors, family and friends. Being understanding and flexible goes a long way toward being a successful team player focused on whats best for the person receiving care.ResponsibleGood caregivers are effective managers. They create schedules, plan for emergencies and organize information so they dont have to scramble. Being responsible doesnt mean you have to do it all yourself though. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness a good caregiver lines up friends, family, or professionals to step in when they need a break.PatienceThis is the most important because it is key to providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere. People who need care often take longer to complete simple tasks, and they may ask the same questions over and over. Quality caregivers need patience to deal with anything from a loved ones memory lapses to angry outbursts. They practice staying calm and avoiding frustration.Caregivers likely will not be exhibiting all seven characteristics at once. Instead, they draw on the appropriate quality based on the situation. Thats why having a well-stocked caregiving toolbox is invaluable for caregivers.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.

SYNERGY HomeCares in-home dementia care or memory care program stands out in that we provide person-centered care to those living with Alzheimers or other dementia-related conditions. That means we focus on the individual personnot the condition. Person-centered care supports the unique needs of the person receiving care so that they can take part in the things they enjoy.Here are 20 ways you can practice person centered with your loved one living with dementia:Be patient.Treat your loved one as the person they are, not the condition they have.Focus on your loved ones needs, desires and wants, and make them a priority.Understand who your loved one was before developing dementia so you will know how to distract or redirect them in ways that are familiar and comforting.Promote dignity and respect by fostering independence. Allowing your loved one to maintain as much independence as possible is important in building trust in your relationship. Let them do the things they love and that they are familiar with, while gradually easing into a more hands-on role in their lives.Allow your loved one to make decisions for themselves so they dont feel like theyre dependent on the people around them. Encourage them to dress and wash themselves.Offer options that are safe and appropriate, such as what they want to wear and what they want to eat.Create an environment that lets your loved one actively participate in meaningful activities. For example, if they love to cook, help them take part in a meaningful activity that is safe, such as folding the napkins, setting the table or wiping down the table.Use simple, familiar words.Speak softly and slowly, giving your loved one time to respond.Use non-verbal communication to complement what you say and demonstrate visually.Be attentive to what your loved one is communicating, whether its actual words, body language or emotions.Focus on reasons behind your loved ones behavior so you can address what is concerning the person, rather than the behavior.In times of stress, offer a pleasant and personal distraction.Use reminiscing and nostalgia to connect.Play music they enjoy.Meet them where they areif they think they are 25 and in college, then step into their reality. Communicate with them in that place and time.Create an environment free of clutter so you can focus on the person, not their reaction to clutter.Dont take their actions personally. They are doing the best they can with what they have.Let your loved one be true to who they are.

Did you know that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimers or another dementia right now? Alzheimers disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.Here are my recommendations for the best home care for Alzheimers patients and how to best support someone living with dementia in a compassionate and caring manner.Minimize change in routine and people.Allow your loved one to do things that are familiar, such as help wiping down the table or sweeping the floor.Use appropriate communication skills by giving your loved one instructions using short phrases one at a time, such as stand up, walk over here, sit down here, pick up your spoon, put it in the rice, pick up the spoon, open your mouth, put the spoon in your mouth.Congratulate your loved one on completing a task, as opposed to criticizing them. For example, if your loved one puts their shirt on inside out, dont say that its on backwards; say that they did a good job putting on their shirt.Dont surprise your loved one when talking to them about doing something. You should communicate with them, first, to establish a connection. A simple conversation about the weather would be fine.Give your loved one appropriate choices and try not to control their decisions. Making decisions helps to promote independence. The choices that you provide them need to be appropriate choices. For example, if it is 100 degrees outside, the choice of clothing should be two outfits that are worn in the summertime (i.e. short sleeves) as opposed to the winter (i.e. long sleeves). So, no matter what they choose, it will be appropriate.Keep the environment simple and calming. Dont overwhelm them with lots of colors and patterns on the floor and walls (i.e. decorative pictures and patterned rugs).Establish a predictable routine with them and stick to the routine, so they know what to do next and wont have to ask you over and over again.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.

April is Parkinsons Awareness Month, and the latest data show that Parkinsons incidence is on the riselast year there was a 50% increase in newly diagnosed cases. This is attributed to a larger population of people aged 65 and up since age is the primary risk factor for Parkinsons disease.Commonly known for its movement or motor-related symptoms, such as tremors, abnormally slow movements, shaking or lack of facial expression, involuntary movements, or freezing, Parkinsons disease also has non-motor symptoms like apathy, depression, sleep behavior disorders, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years and the progression of symptoms can vary from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.According to Randy Geyen, the owner of a SYNERGY HomeCare agency in Tucson, which has provided caregiving for many people living with Parkinsons, enhancing quality of life is the key to supporting someone living with the disease. Here are four main areas he suggests to focus on when caring for a Parkinsons patient at home:1. Medication managementTaking medication regularly ensures that muscles dont stiffen. As the disease progresses, medications and dosages may change. Caregivers are often the first to notice signs that medications arent working as effectively as they were previously and can recommend a check in with the doctor. Keep a calendar of Parkinsons progression and medical trips. Note the days that you first notice symptoms as well as the days a particular medication was started. As the disease progresses, people with Parkinsons may need more help staying on top of doctors appointments and medication reminders.2. ExerciseExercise is particularly important for improving mobility, stamina, mood and quality of life. Studies show that increasing physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week can slow decline in quality of life. Many people living with Parkinsons move to areas with temperate climates to maximize year-round mobility. Caregivers can provide support in staying active as well as keeping up with prescribed physical therapy exercises, occupational therapy, recommended daily living modifications or adaptations, and speech exercises. This can include gait and balance training, resistance training and regular exercise.3. Healthy dietEating a week-balanced and nutritious diet can reduce the likelihood of developing co-morbidities like heart disease or diabetes which can negatively impact quality of life. A side effect of Parkinsons is constipation, so be sure to get plenty of fiber. Osteoporosis (fragile bones) is another side effect, so get plenty of calcium. Some Parkinsons medications cant be fully absorbed with protein, so try to avoid protein within 3-4 hours of taking them. Moist, soft foods are preferred over tougher foods or snacks like crackers. If eating is hard, space out more light meals throughout the day opposed to three big meals.4. Emotional supportUnderstand there may be down days. Dealing with the loss of function can be frustrating and depressing, but caregivers can help. Figuring out workarounds can help people living with Parkinsons engage in their favorite activities. Its important to let someone with Parkinsons disease maintain independence for as long as possible, but as the disease progresses, some activities of daily living may require some assistance. Daily hygiene is greatly affected by hand tremors so opt for an electric toothbrush over a manual one. Similarly, opt for an electric razor over a manual one. Stand-in showers are much easier to access than tubs; shower stools also help. Opt for clothes that are easier to put on: look for elastic waistbands and Velcro; avoid buttons and laces.Ensuring a high quality of life with Parkinsons is possible thanks to a complementary approach that includes medications, regular activity and modifications for activities of daily living. Professional caregivers with SYNERGY HomeCare can provide respite care for family caregivers or more regular day-to-day support that is personalized to each client.