Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Discusses Common Foot Problems

Causes and Care

Corns and calluses are thick layers of dead skin cells caused by repeated friction and pressure from shoes. If the first signs of soreness are ignored, corns and calluses rise up as nature’s way of protecting sensitive areas. However, the pressure of this hard mass on sensitive nerves in the skin can be painful. At the first sign of tenderness, pads placed on the skin around the calluses will help protect the area. (Pads over the callus will increase the pressure.)

A bunion is a deformity at the big toe joint. It occurs when the big toe slants outward at an angle and becomes swollen or tender. Bunions can be inherited, or caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot. Sometimes bunions are a sign of developing arthritis in older people. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus. Painful itching between toes, cracked or scaly skin, small blisters and red, irritated skin patches are usually signs of athlete’s foot or other fungal or bacterial conditions. The best way to help prevent athlete’s foot infection is to keep feet clean and dry with a daily washing. Be especially careful to dry between toes. Use a foot powder to help feet stay drier through the day.

Ingrown toenails have corners which have been crowded by the skin. To prevent ingrown toenails, trim nails straight across with toenail clippers. Do not round off corners. The nail should be kept trimmed to protect it from pressure and irritation. After clipping, smooth nails with a file. To ease the pain, wear open-toed sandals and soak feet in warm water once or twice a day.

Blisters are caused by poor-fitting shoes and socks. If blisters occur, don’t pop them-you may cause infection. If a blister breaks on its own, carefully wash the area, apply antiseptic, cover with a sterile bandage during the day, and uncover at night to let the skin “breathe.”

Special Care for Diabetics

Diabetes can affect blood circulation. It can also lessen feeling in the feet. So diabetics are especially vulnerable to foot problems. People with diabetes should be sure to keep the feet warm, to wear non-restrictive shoes, and to check daily for redness, cuts and cracks to prevent them from developing into more a more serious problem.

If you have diabetes, see your physician about even the most simple foot problems. Avoid cutting corns or calluses and using any remedy containing salicylic acid (an ingredient listed on labels of certain corn remedies, with a warning against its use by diabetics). Trim toenails carefully to avoid breaking the skin or producing an ingrown toenail.

Even a small problem with the feet can make walking difficult and painful, so taking care of your feet pays off in a big way!

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Offers Caregiver Tips for Helping a Bedridden Person

Positioning & Transferring

If you are helping provide care for a loved one who is incapacitated due to a stroke or other condition, you may be called upon to help the person change position in bed or transfer from one place to another, such as from the bed to a chair. Making changes of positions is important, because moving and changing positions can ease some of the discomfort the person is experiencing. Changing positions every two to four hours also helps prevents pressure sores and stiffness.

When caring for someone in bed, the following can be helpful to simplify the process:

• Explain what you are doing. The more the person knows what you are doing, the more they can cooperate and let you know how they would like to be turned.

• Always pay attention to body mechanics. Protect your back by lifting with your legs, not your back. Bend or flex your knees and avoid twisting your back.

• Two people can move someone easier than one.

Tips for Adjusting Position in Bed:

• When moving the patient to the near side of the bed, begin with the head, then the shoulders, trunk, legs, and feet.

• When the person is in the new position, support the arms and legs with pillows or rolled up towels, especially when the person is in a side-lying position.

• If the person is unable to communicate, imagine yourself in that position. Check that the person is not lying on the shoulder and/or arm.

• Rearrange pillows. Pillows can be placed for support under the person’s head, between the knees, or under hands or arms.

• Keep skin clean and dry. Keep linen and clothing dry and wrinkle free.

• Reddened areas or opened areas of skin should be brought to the attention of the person’s healthcare provider.

• Apply lotion and massage the skin to assist in increasing the circulation and general comfort.

Tips for Transferring (Moving From One Place to Another)

Plan ahead what you are going to do and the easiest way to do it. When moving someone from bed to a chair:

• Place the bed in a low position. Always lock/secure the bed, the wheelchair, and/or chair to prevent movement. Place the chair close to the bed, equalizing heights as much as possible.

• Always assist patient to their strong side if they have one.

• If moving from the bed to chair, put the bed in its lowest position with the head raised to a sitting position, if possible.

• Stand in front of the person being transferred, with your feet apart. This position broadens your base support, improving your balance and control when moving.

• Help the person to a sitting position. Give the person time in a sitting position to be sure that any dizziness subsides before attempting to get them up.

• Absorb the strain with your knees and legs, not your back. Keep your back straight. Flex your hips slightly.

• Stand in front of the person and put your arms around their body, placing your hands on their ribs in back. Instruct the person to place their hands on your shoulders, not around your neck.

• Make sure the person who is being moved has both feet on the ground. Using your weight to balance, and keeping your knees slightly bent, gently rock the person into a standing position.

• To turn, continue to counterbalance with your weight and maintain a wide-based stance. Pivot on your feet, slowly turning your whole body, not twisting your trunk.

• Gently lower the person into the chair by bending your knees.

The information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have questions about the care of your loved one, contact your physician or other member of the care team.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Dispels Fall Risk Myths for the Elderly

Seniors & Falls: Myth or Fact?

If you or a loved one has taken a fall – or if the possibility of falling is something that worries you – you are not alone. Older adults put falls near the top of the list of things to worry about. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, and the first step is to know the basics!

Myth #1: The topic of falls isn’t an important issue for me. If I fall, I just get up.

Fact: Each year, one in three seniors experiences a fall serious enough to require medical attention. Falls lead to hip fractures and other serious injuries, and are the leading cause of death due to injury.

Myth #2: Falls are just a part of growing older, and I can’t do anything about that.

Fact: Some of the changes of aging do increase the risk of falling. Most older adults will experience problems with their eyesight, sense of balance, mobility, bone structure and reflexes. Medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease also increase the risk. But there is much you can do to protect against falling.

Myth #3: As long as I stick close to home, I can avoid falling.

Fact: Over half of all falls take place right in the person’s home! One of the most important steps you can take to cut your fall risk is to do a regular home safety inspection. Look for hazards, such as rough floor surfaces, clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth #4: If I have experienced a fall, the best way to prevent falling again is to sit down most of the time and avoid physical activity.

Fact: This may be the biggest myth of all when it comes to protecting against falls! The truth is, inactivity results in decreased energy, muscle tone and alertness…which actually increases the risk.

Myth #5: Muscle strength and flexibility, once lost, can never be regained.

Fact: Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, beginning an exercise program now will benefit you in many ways-not the least of which is protecting against falls. Ask your healthcare provider about a fall prevention exercise plan that’s right for you.

Myth #7: Medications can’t increase the risk of falling.

Fact: Many medications help reduce falls by treating conditions that increase a person’s risk of falling (such as arthritis, osteoporosis and low blood pressure). But side effects of some drugs can also put us at greater risk of falling. Discuss any dizziness, fatigue, confusion or weakness with your healthcare provider.

Myth #8: If I am worried about the fall risk of a parent, spouse or other older adult, I shouldn’t bring it up because it might hurt their feelings. And it’s none of my business!

Fact: The reality is, helping your loved one or friend reduce the risk of falling is a caring act that can help him or her maintain the highest degree of independence possible. Let the person know that you fully support this important goal.

The good news is, plenty of research has been done on the subject of falls, and there is much we can learn from the studies. Being informed is the first step…because when it comes to falls, knowing myths from facts can help you lower the risk.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

# # #

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Shares Hidden Tax Gift Families Don’t Know About

Unknown Gem That Gives Tax Breaks To Americans Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

April 1, 2011 – The economic downturn has made life even more of a struggle for folks caring for elderly loved ones.  They’re working longer hours, paying higher gas and medical bills and struggling to find the money and time to care for aging loved ones. However, this tax season, Uncle Sam gives you a gift  if you’re caring for an elderly loved one – a tax break many families don’t even know about.

“One fourth of the families in this country are caring for elderly loved ones and they’re not aware of a tax law that allows you to write-off some of the expense,” says Peter Ross CEO of Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in-home senior care. “Whether you’re providing that care yourself, or you’ve hired a caregiver, you should take advantage of the tax breaks that are a true gift in these troubled economic times. If you don’t qualify for the tax breaks, there are other ways to cut costs every family should know about.”

Caring for An Elderly Loved One In Tough Economic Times

­ ♦ A recent survey shows that more than 40% of caregivers are spending more than $5,000 a year caring for an elderly loved one.*

­ ♦ More than a third of surveyed caregivers have been forced to quit jobs, take early retirement, reduce hours or take a leave of absence to care for an elderly loved one.*

­ ♦ 40% of female caregivers say the economic downturn has made it harder for them to care for loved ones.**

*survey by caring.com

**survey by Volunteers of America

TAX BREAKS FOR ELDERLY CARE

­ ♦ Claim your parent as a dependent

—– Your parent’s income, excluding Social Security, must be less than the amount of the personal exemption. For 2010, the personal exemption was $3,650. For 2011, it’s $3,700.  Plus, you must provide more than 50% of a parent’s financial support.

—– If a parent lives with you, you can include a percentage of your mortgage and utilities.

—– You can claim more than one parent as a dependent if both meet the income and support tests.

­ ♦ Deduct your parent’s medical expenses

—– If you contribute to a parent’s health care expenses and pay the health care provider yourself versus giving your parent the money to pay, you may qualify to deduct costs, even if you can’t claim the parent as a dependent.

—– To claim this deduction, you must provide at least 50% of the parent’s financial support, but you don’t have to meet the income test.

—– Deduction is limited to medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.  Qualified expenses include the cost of a nursing home, in home health care, dental care, and prescribed medicine. You can include your own unreimbursed medical expenses when calculating total costs.

Source: Perspective Accounting Services

OTHER WAYS TO CUT COSTS IF CARING FOR AN ELDERLY LOVED ONE

­ ♦ Veteran’s Benefits – Veterans can earn up to $1,800 a month in VA pension money to pay for in-home care. Senior Helpers helps families find resources to get these benefits.

­ ♦ Contact Your Local Area Agency on Aging to learn about government assistance programs that provide low income seniors, eligible for Medicaid, money to pay for in-home care.

“American families need to realize there is help out there to help them shoulder the burden of caring for an elderly loved one, “says Ross. “If you can’t provide care yourself, hire a caregiver and research the ways you can pay for that care. It’s a cheaper alternative to a nursing home and your loved ones get to stay in the comfortable surroundings of their own home.”

Media Contact: Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409

# # #

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Photo credit:  learningdslrvideo.com

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Talks About Asthma and Seniors

Pay attention to symptoms and seek treatment

Asthma awareness is not just for kids. It is often diagnosed as a new condition in older people after beginning with a nighttime cough or difficulty breathing. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology states that “approximately six to 10% of older individuals in the United States may have asthma – a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.” Other existing health conditions in adults who develop asthma can be more challenging to treat, and seniors can experience drug and disease interaction.

Asthma symptoms in seniors are often explained away as old age, a result of smoking, or attributed to air pollution. Seniors who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia often cannot communicate their symptoms, and may also have other impairments or disorders that can confuse or mask asthma symptoms. With proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, asthma can be successfully managed in people of all age groups, including older adults. Allergens cannot be totally avoided, but their effects can be minimized by following these tips:

• Watch for ozone alerts.

• Minimize outdoor activity on days when temperatures are excessively high.

• Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Do not take more medication to ease severe symptoms without consulting your doctor.

• Use an air conditioner in both your home and car to keep air clean, cool, and dry.

• Do not stand directly behind cars that are running. Exhaust fumes could trigger an asthma attack.

Sources: http://www.aaaai.org/patients; http://www.allergiesasthmahelp.com/allergies-asthma-articles

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Shares Tips for Gardening with Arthritis and Other Pain

Pain from arthritis or other sources doesn’t have to mean quitting the hobbies you love, such as gardening.

In fact, gardening can be modified to accommodate many physical limitations. Benefits of gardening include that it can be relaxing, it encourages exercise, and it leaves you with the results of your handiwork to admire.

1.  Choose low maintenance plants to minimize your effort and yield great results. Plant shrubs that require less pruning, such as boxwood, holly, and yew shrubs. Include ground covers that spread and shade out weeds.

2.  Plant raised gardens such as wall gardens, window boxes, or waist-high gardening beds. This will reduce strain on the body. Plant vertically growing plants to maximize otherwise limited space.

3.  Container gardening, especially for suffers of knee pain, can be a great alternative to traditional gardening. Choose lightweight foam containers and water regularly as they tend to dry out quickly.

4.  Try using vertical grow bags (such as Topsy Turvy® Planters) or hang planters on walls or fences at comfortable heights; also a great alternative if space is limited.

5.  Find ergonomic garden tools that better transfer power of your hands to the tool. Experts recommend tools with extra thick and “grippy” handles (visit www.radiusgarden.com or www.bionicgloves.com.)

6.  Use tools that reduce or eliminate bending and reaching, such as watering wands, especially if carrying watering cans is difficult. Try sitting on a cushion or chair and use kneepads to help ease pain and strain.

7.  Stretch hands, neck, back, hips, and quadriceps before and after gardening.

8.  A simple and inexpensive five-gallon bucket can serve as a tote to carry tools around and can double as a stool.

Sources: Arthritis Today July /August 2010, “Get Back in the Garden” pages 80-83.; Gardening with Arthritis, What color are your thumbs? By Annette Beach http://www.arthritistoday.org/community/blogs/tin-mom-blog-042110.php

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Shares The Basics of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Seniors

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine as practiced by medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy or by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is gradually becoming more popular, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). In their 2007 study, about 38% adults aged 18 and over revealed that they use some sort of CAM, which is up over 2% since their 2002 study.

What is CAM?

Most sources classify CAM practices into several broad categories, but they are not cast in stone. Some can be included in more than one category, such as acupuncture in mind-body medicine as well as in energy medicine. The National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists these broad categories and some examples of each:

• Alternative Medical Systems: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine; Tibetan medicine

• Energy Therapies: Qi gong, reiki, therapeutic touch

• Exercise Therapies: T’ai chi, yoga

• Manipulative & Body-based Methods: Chiropractic, therapeutic massage, osteopathy, reflexology

• Mind-body Interventions: Meditation, hypnosis, biofeedback, art and music therapies, aromatherapy

• Nutritional Therapies: Macrobiotic diet, vitamins, vegetarianism, antioxidants

• Pharmacological and Biologic Treatments: Herbs and herbal extracts, melatonin

• Spiritual Therapies: Intercessory prayer and spiritual healing

Why Use CAM?

An Ohio State University study indicated that 70% of older Americans turn to alternative medicines to treat their health problems, a rather surprising finding because there are fewer studies to support alternative medicines and treatments. Here are a few reasons why seniors turn to CAM options:

•     Many seniors, because of the effects of the aging process (as well as diet, disease, and environment) on their physiology, become more susceptible to adverse effects from traditional medications.

•     CAM treatments and therapies may provide a way for seniors on limited income and with little or no health insurance to avoid the higher costs of traditional medical treatment.

•     Some seniors may not like visiting an impersonal doctor’s office. Alternative options may offer a more personal touch for elderly care. One-on-one treatment can offer a psychological boost as well as a physical one.

Talk to Your Doctor

According to a survey conducted by AARP and NCCAM, despite the high use of CAM among people age 50 or older, 69% of those who use CAM do not talk to their doctors about it. This could be due to the limited time available during doctor office visits, or that patients are waiting for their doctor to broach the subject before discussing any CAM approaches they may be pursuing. Doctors may not inquire because they are not familiar with the types of CAM therapies and therefore are not comfortable or do not expect their patients to be pursuing these methods. And, doctors may be hesitant to recommend CAM because many CAM practitioners or providers make exaggerated claims about curing diseases. Some even ask users to forgo conventional treatment from doctors.

Lack of research about CAM can be reason enough for doctors to avoid the topic. Why this lack of evidence? Primarily because large controlled medical studies are costly and CAM therapies and treatments tend to be underfunded.

Regardless of the reason, discussing all avenues of treatment with your doctor is crucial to overall wellbeing. Don’t wait for them to bring it up at your next office visit. Write down any questions you have about how CAM can be integrated into your medical care, and make a point to have the discussion with your doctor.

Precautionary Measures

As with any medical treatment, there can be risks with CAM therapies and treatments. These general precautions can help to minimize risks:

•     Select CAM practitioners with care. Find out about the practitioner’s training and experience.

•     Some dietary supplements may interact with medications or other supplements, may have side effects of their own, or may contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the label.

•     Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use to help ensure coordinated and safe care.

•     Don’t stop or change your conventional treatment, including prescribed medications, without talking to your doctor first.

Sources: NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign; Arthritis Today Nov/Dec 2010; http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Alternative_Medicine_for_the_Elderly; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/61166.php; http://www.cancer.gov/cam/health_categories.html

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Says Warmer Weather Is Wake-up Call for Seniors to Get Up, Get Out and Get Moving

Healthy, active lifestyles can significantly reduce risks for major health problems

Somerset, New Jersey (March 1, 2011) – As the grips of a harsh winter start to give way to the warmth of spring across central New Jersey, it’s time for local seniors to get up, get outside and get moving. Exercise, even the most moderate of regimens, is one of the most important lifestyle choices seniors can make to keep themselves healthy, mentally sharp and physically fit.

One local company, Senior Helpers of Central New Jersey (NJ), a leading in-home care provider for seniors, is using these first hints of spring as motivation for local seniors – especially for those who have been homebound and stuck indoors for most of the winter.

“It’s really very simple,” said Jack Hoffman with Senior Helpers. “Being active is the single biggest determinant in maintaining and improving physical and mental health for seniors. The weather is starting to turn and we’re encouraging families with aging loved ones to help them make the most of it.”

“Physical activity is absolutely vital for seniors looking to maintain an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home,” Hoffman said. “There is a direct correlation, no doubt about it.”

Health Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Exercise among seniors has been proven to reduce the risk of developing some very common diseases and health problems people often encounter as they age. According to the National Institute of Health, these include heart disease, stroke, dementia and an increasingly prevalent issue within the central New Jersey senior community, type 2 diabetes.

A leading risk factor among seniors who may develop type 2 diabetes is a sedentary life style. American Diabetes Alert Day is coming up later this month on March 22, and Senior Helpers is encouraging both family caregivers and seniors to learn about the dangers and causes of diabetes around this national event.

Diabetes Prevention Benefits of Exercise for Seniors:

•     Improves the body’s use of insulin

•     Burns excess body fat, helping to decrease and control body weight

•     Increases blood flow to reduce risk of related heart disease

•     Keeps heart and blood vessels healthy by lowering “bad” (LDL) cholesterol

“Abnormal blood sugar levels can be reduced with simple exercise,” said Hoffman. “So those at higher risk of diabetes should try very hard to fit exercise into their routine. This is a simple step, but it’s something all of our caregivers are trained to introduce and encourage wherever possible.”

Media Contact:  Jack Hoffman, (732) 993-6991, JHoffman@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409

# # #

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Care of Central New Jersey Answers Your Questions About Hiring a Home Care Worker

Should You Hire Directly or Go Through an Agency?

Is it becoming more difficult for Dad to take proper care of his yard or bend over to take the laundry out of the dryer? Does it seem like too much effort some days for him to cook or take care of basic housework?

Maybe your mom has experienced a small stroke. She is about to be discharged from the hospital and wants to return home. But she needs speech therapy, physical therapy and help with eating and transferring from bed to chair. She shouldn’t be alone for the first few weeks.

These are familiar scenarios faced by thousands of American families every day. If you’re not familiar with eldercare options and how to help an aging loved one, chances are you will be in the future! Today, one in four American families is already involved to some degree in the care of an elderly person. And since most older adults prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move to a nursing home or other senior living facility, home care can be a real life saver for the older adult and family caregivers alike.

A wide array of home care services exist today, including:

• Meal preparation, housekeeping tasks and chores

• Transportation and errands

• Caring Companionship and conversation

• Medication Reminders

Finding the Right Home Caregiver

The first step is to assess the person’s needs. The second step is to find the right provider to give you peace of mind as well as the help you need. But how do you find the right home care worker?

At first glance, it might appear that hiring privately is less expensive. You might go through the informal network or “gray market,” hiring a home helper from a classified ad, a notice in the local senior center, an informal employment agency, or word of mouth. But before you do, ask yourself whether you really want to become the person’s employer, with all the risks and responsibilities that the role entails? Here are some things to think about:

• You are responsible for withholding and reporting income taxes and paying Social Security taxes. This can be very complicated and could also leave you open to having to pay back taxes and penalties.

• If the caregiver is injured while working, you may end up paying the medical bills. The caregiver can file a workman’s compensation claim or even file a lawsuit against you or your family.

• It is up to you to check certificates, licenses, references and criminal background…and to protect against elder abuse and financial exploitation.

• You will be responsible for determining whether the care provider knows how to safely care for your loved one. For example, if your family member needs to be transferred from a wheelchair, you need to be sure that the care provider knows how to do this safely.

• You cannot try to hire someone on a seven-day-per-week basis. No employee can be a good employee for long without having time for personal needs and interests. So, you will need to plan for days off, vacation time and other times when the caregiver cannot be available.

• If there are problems, you are on your own in working things out as an employer. This includes discipline and termination.

The Agency Advantage

Given the burden of finding, hiring, training and functioning as an employer, going to an agency provides obvious advantages. An experienced caregiver arrives pre-screened, trained and under the supervision of the agency. You don’t have to worry about tax withholding, or liability. If the caregiver doesn’t arrive, it’s the agency’s responsibility to provide a backup.

Dealing with the challenges of aging and disability carries with it enough to worry about. Why add uncertainty about your home care worker to the mix?

About Senior Helpers

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Central New Jersey Helps Overcome Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

Did you know that research shows that loneliness is bad for your health? Studies demonstrate that a sense of isolation contributes to higher blood pressure, sleep disorders, and a weakened immune system.

Unfortunately, feelings of loneliness, isolation or boredom are common for many older adults. A large part of aging is dealing with change:

• children growing up and moving away;
• retirement;
• adjusting to physical limitations;
• selling the family home;
• dealing with the illnesses or deaths of close family and friends.

Some of these changes may result in loneliness, especially the major transitions like illness and death. The common thread is that the relationships and interests you’ve grown to trust and enjoy are no longer available, at least not in the same way they once were.

Here are some ways to help an older adult reconnect with the parts of life that contribute to better physical and mental health.

1. Get ready physically. There is an important link between how they are doing physically and how comfortable they are with taking on new challenges. Help them eat good food, get adequate rest, and (with the advice of a doctor) start a regular exercise program. No matter what their health condition, increasing activity is a plus.

2. Get necessary information. If you they in a retirement community or assisted living facility, recommend that they read the newsletter or bulletin boards for news of upcoming events and ongoing programs. They can also talk to the social services and activities professionals on staff. If they live at home, reading the newspaper and subscribing to recreational, social service, and/or hobby organization newsletters can help. Also have them try listening to the radio or even checking local information on the Internet. You might come across opportunities you haven’t noticed before.

3. Be willing to learn. Encourage the senior in your life to be curious and willing to try out something new. You can find amazing programs at the local library, senior center, or community college. They can take a computer class, learn new ways of keeping in touch with family and friends, and make new friends from around the world on the Internet.

4. Establish a personal routine. Loneliness sometimes grows out of too much empty time. Talk to older adults about getting up and starting the day at a regular time; starting their morning by reading or tuning in to the day’s events through newspapers, radio or television; connecting with one or more friends by telephone each day, just to “check in;” going to exercise class or for a walk; arranging to eat a meal or snack with a friend.

5. Include service to others. No matter who you are, where you live, or where you are in your life, there are ways for you to help others. Opportunities for seniors in your community may include reading to children at the local library, telephoning people who cannot get out, filling shopping bags at a food bank, or talking to a lonely neighbor. There are so many places and people who need help!

You won’t change their life overnight, and it is probably best to take things one step at a time. But feelings of loneliness and isolation can be overcome, and seniors can find satisfying new patterns and relationships in their lives!

Our Senior Helpers caregivers can provide just the companionship your aging loved one needs to overcome loneliness and isolation. Our caregivers come from various backgrounds and many have cared for their own parents and want to help others. Some work in the healthcare field and enjoy working one-on-one with our clients. All of our caregivers truly treasure the personal satisfaction that comes from helping others. Most importantly, we have the systems in place and take the time to try and match the appropriate caregiver with the appropriate client to help ensure a successful relationship.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in- home, caregiving services for the elderly in Bridgewater, Edison, Piscataway, Hillsborough, Somerset, Somerville and neighboring towns.  We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Somerset, Mercer, Hunterdon, Warren or W. Middlesex Counties, NJ, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In home health care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/3409.