Archives for June 2012 | NJ Senior Care

Archive for June, 2012

Singer/songwriter Amy Grant on caring for aging parent…

June 28th, 2012 No Comments

Singer/songwriter Amy Grant has recently discussed providing elder care for her aging parent in an article on Forbes.com. “With an aging parent,” she said, “it’s important for the people affected emotionally and financially to have consistent conversations…discuss what’s going to happen next; and think creatively for ways to meet their needs.” She discussed talking to her parents about their future, and the need to assign power of attorney to their daughters. Currently, her father (who has dementia) is living in his own apartment, with round-the-clock home care. She has also become connected with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, with the intent of helping baby boomers to become educated with the long-term care insurance choices for their parents and themselves. To read the Forbes.com article, go to: http://onforb.es/MBaRtd

It’s summer! Keep those eyes protected…

June 27th, 2012 No Comments

With the sunny summer months upon us, it’s time to take a closer look at our own aging eyes, or of those in our NJ elder care circle. The sun’s bright rays can be averted by wearing a hat with a wide brim, along with a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses.

Other ways to protect eyes in the summer and all year long:

Wear protective goggles when doing yard work or home improvement projects
Use masks or other ways to protect your eyes when playing sports: baseball, golf, handball, tennis, etc.
Watch out for chemicals or poison getting in the eyes such as insect repellent, stinging pool chemicals, poison ivy, etc.
Be wary of potential hazards that may inadvertently happen: sparks from fireworks, pellet guns, rubber bands or bungee cords snapping off, etc.

Always have your eyes checked on a regular basis by an eye care professional (ophthalmologist or optometrist). If you’re over 65, have them checked yearly. If you experience sudden blurriness, flashes of light, double vision, eye pain, or eyelid swelling, see the professional right away.

Take a mental break with Tuesday’s Trivia…

June 26th, 2012 No Comments

Everyone needs to take mental breaks now and then, especially if you’re a family caregiver deep in providing NJ elder care. Without taking time for yourself, you may end up feeling depressed, angry, exhausted, anxious, or guilty. Be sure to take a smile break each day!

Today’s break: Trivia! Stretch your mind by learning the answers to these questions: What’s the most coinage you can have without being able to make change for a dollar? What was the first product to have a barcode? How much pizza does the average American eat each year? How deep is the deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico, measured by a famous NYC building? To find out answers to these questions and more, go to AARP’s website http://aarp.us/Mn3yHz.

9 easy ways seniors can stretch their dollars…

June 22nd, 2012 No Comments

In this economy, we all need to find ways to stretch our dollars. For seniors on a fixed income, it’s especially important to watch pennies. Below are some helpful tips to get you started saving more.

Develop a budget: figure out your weekly/monthly expenses (it may help to keep a journal of your expenses each day in order to determine this amount), then subtract your weekly/monthly income. Try not to spend less than this amount in order to save extra.
Make a list: before you go to the store, have a list written and stick to it (avoid impulse buys)
Do the research: compare prices from store to store. You can check the newspaper or the internet for the weekly specials.
Buy generic: store brands are often just as good–or even better–than name brands, and are usually significantly less expensive
Claim your discount: the senior discount is definitely a perk to being older. Ask for the discount at movies, restaurant, retail stores, etc.
Eat like a bird: take advantage of early bird dinner specials at restaurants
Check out your local senior center: for activities, discounted meals, exercise programs, events…all at low cost to seniors
Seek free activities: check newspapers, the internet, libraries, senior centers, etc. for free activities
Take advantages of services for seniors: your local Office on Aging may offer services such as notary, legal, NJ elder care caregiving, etc.

“Norma takes care of my grandmother as though she were her own relative” | New Testimonial

June 21st, 2012 No Comments

We recently received a home care NJ review/testimonial from the granddaughter of one of our clients…

“My grandmother LOVES her Visiting Angel, Norma, and so do we. Norma takes care of my grandmother as though she were her own relative. She’s always busy in my grandmother’s room—cleaning and re-arranging to make it nice for her. We also love that she shuts off the TV to interact with my grandmother, sets her hair, does her nails, and also helps me with other chores around the house. Gold Star to Visiting Angels!”

—Lori W., Hamilton, NJ

Seniors, it’s a scorcher today & tomorrow, so avoid the heat…

June 20th, 2012 No Comments

Today’s the first day of summer…and the heat is on! The Mercer/Burlington County forecast for today is hot, sunny, and muggy, with heat indexes up near 100 degrees. For older adults, and those active with NJ elder care, it’s time to take precautions. Stay inside in the air conditioning, drink plenty of fluids, and stay out of the sun. More hot weather tips for older adults.

Photo: www.morguefile.com

Study shows the effects of lonliness in seniors…

June 19th, 2012 1 Comment

A recent study questioned 1,604 people over the age of 60 how often they feel a sense of isolation or a lack of companionship. The study found:

43% reported feeling lonely over a period of 6 years (from 2002 to 2008)
45% of those feeling lonely were more apt to die than those with meaningful relationships with others
24.8% of those feeling lonely reported diminished abilities to do activities of daily living–bathing, dressing, eating, toileting
62.5% of those feeling lonely were married

Older adults just don’t want to feel “invisible” or ignored. They just want to have significant relationships. Give your older neighbors or loved ones a call or visit…consistently. Their health and well-being depend on it! And as a reminder, Visiting Angels NJ Senior Care can help provide nurturing companionship if you’re not able to be there for your loved ones consistently. Our caring Angels will help take the loneliness out!

To read more, visit The New York Times online at http://nyti.ms/LonelinessInSeniors.

Happy Father’s Day from Visiting Angels!

June 17th, 2012 No Comments

Visiting Angels Home Care NJ wishes dads everywhere a happy day!

“It was qualities that run deep in her person; not something she was just doing for us”–testimonial

June 14th, 2012 No Comments

Our Visiting Angels’ RN supervisor recently submitted an observation of one of our dedicated aides:

“I wish to acknowledge the excellent job Messie M. did in taking care of our client, Ms. T, a young woman dying from cancer. Messie was gentle and considerate; she went into the case with grace.

It was a very delicate, challenging situation and there was a great need for help. Ms. T’s sister was the only close relative and was caring for our client while also working. Messie had to be flexible and fill-in with ever-changing work hours to help the two sisters. They were very appreciative of the way Messie not only was there for our client, but she also did everything she could to make it easier around the house for both sisters.

But these efforts are not only why I am writing you. It was the words of not only the sister of Ms. T, but also of a friend that impressed me. The friend, of her own accord, wanted to make me aware of the compassion and gentleness with which Messie cared for our client. The friend said, ‘it was qualities that run deep in Messie’s person and not something she was just doing for us.’ How wonderful for our clients to have such high-quality aides to help them.”

–Marilyn W., RN for Visiting Angels NJ senior care

609-883-8188 | Email: info@njseniorcare.com