Live Free Home Health Care, LLC. - Bristol, New Hampshire

Thursday, February 02, 2012

High Tech Home Care Options for Aging in Place

Technology is transforming the possibilities for aging safely at home. From fall prevention to emergency alerts to medication reminders, devices are allowing more seniors to “age in place” in the comfort of home. The following are products to consider for loved ones receiving in-home care:

• Webcams: Installing webcams throughout the home allows both family members and caregivers the ability to virtually check in on the senior at any time. Webcams also allow family members who live far way to video chat with their loved ones.

• Sensor Monitors: In conjunction with webcams, sensors can be placed throughout the home to track movement. These are particularly handy for seniors with ambulation or wandering issues. Most sensor systems connect to a TV or computer monitor and an internet connection.

• Medical Alert Pendants: These handy devices have been around for a few years now, but continue to be updated to increase effectiveness. They are worn by the senior and the button is pressed in the event of a fall or other emergency, connecting the senior to 911 or another emergency response service. Check out Live Free Home Health Care’s medical alert pendants .

• Automatic MedicationReminders/Dispensers: These are perfect for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. An alarm goes off, alerting the senior to take his or her medication when an alarm sounds, and dispenses the correct dosage. If the senior misses a dose, an alert is sent to a 24 hour care center after 30 minutes. Check out Live Free Home Health Care’s medication dispenser .

Technology is increasing the level of independence that seniors can have in the home. If you're looking for a partner in home care in Concord, the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact Live Free Home Health Care today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   better quality of life, eldercare, home safety, medical alert, medication management

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Stress Management for Family Caregivers

Managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. Stress management also involves changing the stressful situation when possible, changing reactions to the situation when it cannot be changed, taking care of your health, and making time for rest and relaxation.

While peaceful meditation, exercising and enjoyable activities are great outlets for stress relief, the greatest protection against stress is a strong support network for when times get rough. It’s important to allow others to help alleviate some of the responsibilities and pressures. With trusted friends, family members, and a caregiving team such as Live Free Home Health Care, life’s pressures will not seem as overwhelming.

Also seek out community support groups for caregivers:

 People meet in a given place each week or month.

 You get face-to-face contact and a chance to make new friends who live near you.

 The meetings get you out of the house, get you moving, provide a social outlet, and reduce feelings of isolation.

 Since the people in the support group are from your area, they'll be more familiar with local resources and issues.

For further information on care support, click here .

Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire is here to offer further guidance and home care options that can give you a well-deserved break. If you're looking for a partner in care in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact us today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   family caregivers, home care, in-home care providers, private duty agencies

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Need for Respite: Recognizing Caregiver Stress and the Effects of Overload

Family caregivers often find themselves running in emergency mode, and eventually the mind and body pay the price. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. In fact, raised stress levels can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and can speed up the aging process.

Take this quick quiz to determine if you are in control of stress or if stress is controlling you:

 When I feel agitated, do I know how to quickly calm and soothe myself?

 Can I easily let go of my anger?

 Can I turn to others to help me calm down and feel better?

 When I come home at night, do I walk in the door feeling alert and relaxed?

 Am I seldom distracted or moody?

 Am I able to recognize upsets that others seem to be experiencing?

 When my energy is low, do I know how to boost it?

Feeling frazzled and overwhelmed is a key indicator that it’s time to take action to nurture your nervous system. You can protect yourself by learning the following signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects. When under pressure, behavior can present as:

 Talking too fast or too loud

 Yawning

 Fiddling and twitching, nail biting, grinding teeth, drumming fingers, pacing, etc.

 Bad moods: irritability, being critical, overly sensitive replies, anger and irrationality

 Making less realistic judgments

 Inability to concentrate

 Being more forgetful

 Making more mistakes

 Disorganization, confusion and worry

 Neglect of personal appearance and personal hygiene

Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire is here to offer further guidance and options that can give you a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities. If you're looking for a partner in home care in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact us today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   eldercare, family caregivers, home care, in-home care providers, private duty agencies

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

What is Respite Care?

Respite care may be the answer you have been looking for to get the rest and relaxation that you need from the daily caregiving grind. HELPGUIDE.org explains that respite care provides time off for family members who care for someone who is ill, injured or frail. Respite care can take place in an adult day center, the home of the care recipient, a residential setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home, or even a vacation setting.

Effective, sustainable caregiving depends on meeting the caregiver's own needs for nurture, reassurance, support and periodic respite. Respite allows for relief from the daily responsibilities of caring for the care recipient and is essential for all caregivers, whether they work in a caregiving facility or at home with family members or close friends.

The following organizations provide useful information to caregivers on a variety of topics including respite:

• The Alzheimer’s Association: http://www.alz.org

• The Family Caregiver Alliance: http://www.caregiver.org

• The National Alliance for Caregiving: http://www.caregiving.org

• National Adult Day Services Association: http://www.nadsa.org

Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire is here to offer further guidance and options that can give you a well-deserved break. For further resources on respite care, click here .

If you're looking for a partner in home care in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact us today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   eldercare, family caregivers, home care, private duty agencies

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Wednesday, January 04, 2012

How to Be an Effective Family Caregiver

To be an effective caregiver, you must first care for yourself. If you reduce your burdens and keep a healthy balance for yourself, you will be in a better position to care for your loved one.

In addition to respite care for those much needed breaks, join a caregiver support group in your area to be able to share your thoughts, feelings and information with others in similar circumstances. Explore community resources such as adult daycare centers, in-home respite care and meal delivery services. This will provide free time for errands and personal time as well as providing health monitoring, transportation, nursing care and therapeutic recreation for the care recipient.

Tips to Reduce Caregiver Burn-Out

• Don't take it personally. Remind yourself that any emotionally hurtful behavior on the part of your loved one is a result of illness.

• Take time out to do fun things like taking an exercise class or going on day trips every now and then.

• If friends can't come over, and it is impossible to leave the care situation, take time each day for a phone conversation with a friend or family member. Even a brief chat can lift spirits.

• Set limits for yourself. Let your loved one know what you are capable of giving in terms of time and assistance. You don't need to be confrontational. Simply ask for what you need in ways that honor yourself and others. Use ‘I' statements.

• Engage in hobbies or favorite pastimes.

• Quiet your mind through soothing music, prayer, meditation or relaxation.

• Focus on finding one activity a day that brings enjoyment to you. Respite does not have to mean leaving home; it can be taking a momentary break to do something positive.

• Eat nutritious meals. Don't give in to stress-driven urges for sweets or drink too much alcohol.

• Get enough sleep. If kept up at night, try a nap during the day to make up some sleep.

• Listen and communicate carefully with doctors, seek second opinions and monitor medication schedules.

• A missed medication or incorrect diagnosis can wreak havoc on stress levels. Be a constant advocate for your loved one.

Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire is here to offer further guidance and options that can give you a well-deserved break. If you're looking for a partner in home care in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact us today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   caregiver, family caregivers

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