Archive for December, 2011

Does Visiting Angels only provide home care to seniors?

December 29th, 2011 No Comments

Does Visiting Angels only provide home care to seniors?

Caring for New Jersey’s seniors is NOT our only focus. Although providing exceptional home care to seniors is at the heart of Visiting Angels NJ, we also provide services to all adults who may need extra care such as: recovery support after surgery, help during cancer treatments, aid for those with broken bones, discreet assistance to those recovering from plastic surgery, and also for those who just simply need a well-deserved break from providing care to their ill or elder loved ones.

As we age, who typically needs more care—men or women?

December 28th, 2011 No Comments

As we age, who typically needs more care—men or women?

The need for assistance with everyday activities (including eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and continence) increases as we age for both men and women, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, women are more likely to need assistance than men (home care NJ can help with these activities of daily living). Women typically live longer and have higher rates of disability and chronic health problems. After years of caring for others, it’s unfortunate that long-term care is something few women adequately plan for, and something they will likely desperately need.

What does it mean to “age in place” and is it really possible?

December 27th, 2011 No Comments

What does it mean to “age in place” and is it really possible?

Aging in place” is simply the concept of growing old in your own home. Your home is familiar, it’s full of memories, and it helps you feel secure. Yes, it’s definitely possible to safely age in place—with some modifications. For instance, your home might need adjustments to accommodate an aging body, such as shower handrails, even flooring, and additional lighting. You may also benefit from the services of a home care company, such as Visiting Angels NJ.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Visiting Angels!

December 25th, 2011 No Comments

Wishing you peace, love and laughter this

Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!

from all of us at Visiting Angels

Serving C. Burlington and Mercer Counties, New Jersey

Winter is officially here: keep seniors safe in cold weather with these tips…

December 21st, 2011 1 Comment

It’s officially winter now, so for most of us in colder climates such as New Jersey, we need to get serious about staying warm. It’s especially important for older adults to stay warm since they can lose body heat faster than younger people (a condition called hypothermia).

Below are some tips to keep you warm and toasty this winter:

  • Set your home’s thermostat to 68 degrees or higher
  • Inside the house, dress in layers, use blankets, and wear slippers and socks
  • At night, wear thermal underwear under your PJ’s and use extra covers
  • Outside, wear loose layers of clothing and make sure to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves
  • If it’s windy outside, stay inside–high winds can lower your body temperature very quickly
  • Stay active inside by joining a mall walkers group, for example
  • If you live alone, ask a friend or neighbor to check on you

Does Santa’s behavior show signs of dementia?

December 20th, 2011 No Comments

Does Santa show signs of having dementia? An article from Caring.com shows how his behavior and health may reveal 7 potential symptoms. For example, he makes a list and checks it twice–many Alzheimer’s sufferers make lists to help them remember. He asks the same questions over and over again (such as “Have you been good this year? What would you like for Christmas?”). He’s getting up in age…and his belly is rotund (obesity is a risk factor). To read all seven of Santa’s similarities, go to http://bit.ly/X8hKqL.

Are you a family caregiver with holiday stress? NJ Senior Care can help…

December 15th, 2011 No Comments

Being a family caregiver during a “regular” month brings enough challenges each day, but with stress during the holidays, the daily challenges can become even more overwhelming. Not only do you need to keep the house clean, pay bills, prepare meals, care for your senior loved one as well as your spouse, children, and pets, but you also have to shop for holiday gifts, go to or plan holiday get-togethers, send holiday greetings…and the list goes on and on.

Wouldn’t it be a huge help if someone could take the responsibility of doing some of these tasks for you? Our NJ senior care certified aides can help! We can help you with simple housekeeping, walking the dog, preparing meals, running errands (such as going to the grocery or pharmacy), but even more importantly–taking care of your elder parent by providing compassionate and caring companionship, grooming/hygiene assistance, providing safety supervision, and more.

45% of NJ’s baby boomers plan to leave the state when they retire, poll shows…

December 14th, 2011 No Comments

A recent Kean University/New Jersey Speaks poll of NJ baby boomers revealed some interesting results. It shows that 45% of NJ’s boomers plan to retire out-of-state due to the high cost of living in New Jersey. It also shows they are worried about losing their jobs, reports NJ.com. New Jersey residents aren’t alone in their concerns about their financial situation as they head toward retirement (an assisted living facility in NJ, for example, averages $59,250 per year, according to Genworth Financial). Many seniors do not have the financial resources to live throughout their “golden years”—many even plan to work until they are 80, reports oanow.com.

Visit our Resources Page on NJSeniorCare.com to learn of Options to Age at Home.

Watch for warning signs that your parents may need help with their finances…

December 13th, 2011 No Comments

If you’re like many baby boomers who are concerned about their senior parents’ financial situation, you’re not alone. Would you recognize warning signs that they may need some help handling their money? Caring.com developed a list of eight signs for which to keep a lookout:

  • 1. Do you see mail unopened accumulating?
  • 2. Are they becoming forgetful with cash?
  • 3. Are they receiving calls from creditors?
  • 4. Do they bring home expensive purchases?
  • 5. Are their gambling habits becoming excessive?
  • 6. Have they become victims of financial scams?
  • 7. Do they complain about how much everything costs?
  • 8. Are they physically unable to pay their bills?

Learn more about Visiting Angels NJ.

NJ Pearl Harbor survivors: marking 70 years today…

December 7th, 2011 No Comments

At one time, there were 800 Pearl Harbor survivors in New Jersey. That number has decreased to about 7. Ralph Jeffers of Monmouth County and Thomas Mahoney of Union both were serving in Hawaii on the USS Curtiss, a seaplane tender, on December 7, 1941. To commemorate the 70th anniversary, there will be an event today at 11am at the Richard Stockton Service Area in Hamilton. Read the powerful recollections of these veterans by reading the article on dailyrecord.com.

We honor our country’s veterans who bravely served in foreign wars. Click on our Veterans Program Tab to learn more about how we can help them or their widowed spouses receive our NJ senior home care.