Archive for Home Care

Report to Analyze Effect of Alzheimer’s on Women, Society

The Alzheimer’s Reading Room today presents an announcement that the second in The Shriver Report series, an ongoing study in transformational moments in American culture and society, will focus on female Alzheimer’s caregivers.  Last year’s report, titled “The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything,” was an extremely detailed look at the changes in our society caused by the large number of women joining the workforce in recent decades. On October 15, “The Shriver Report: A Women’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s” will be released, signifying the immense impact the disease has had on American society.

The study is led by and named for Maria Shriver, founder of the California Women’s Conference, and examines how aging Baby Boomers reaching their mid-60s and encountering Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will impact society in the coming years.  It will main focus on the effects on women, since they are a large majority of informal caregivers.  Shriver provides an overview of how this shift will impact the workforce, with women needing to take time away from work to care for their aging loved ones, family life, and the healthcare system.

5 Ways to Increase Independence in Your Bathroom

Bathroom Remodel

Shower remodel - Photo courtesy of Miguel Espinoza

By Miguel Espinoza

When it comes to privacy and living independently, having a safe, functional and accessible bathroom assumes top priority. Bathroom modifications are helpful to both caregivers and recipients, providing more freedom and safety.

Applying simple changes to your home can create a more comfortable and accessible lifestyle without the heartache and financial issues that often arise when considering assisted living options. Although today’s focus is on improving independence within your bathroom, several of these modifications are useful in other rooms throughout your home as well.

Here are five constructive ways to increase independence and safety in your bathroom:

  1. Doorway Expansions are a great way to increase mobility around the house, especially for those using a wheelchair, walker or scooter.
  2. Walk-in Showers help prevent falls caused by getting in and out of a bathtub or having to step into a shower. Walk-in showers allow for more balance and stability while bathing.
  3. Shower Safety Seats make showering a more relaxing routine. Especially when paired with an expandable showerhead, the safety seat helps one avoid the slippery shower floor and prevents injury from falling.
  4. Safety Grab Bars are an essential addition to any bathroom, providing stability and assistance in areas like the shower or near the toilet.
  5. Lowered sinks and countertops create a more accessible environment and encourage a more independent hygiene routine, enabling one to reach items on the countertop as well as the sink faucets.

Remember, modifications done inside your home do not have to be obtrusive or “hospitalized”; there are many ways to keep a sleek and stylish bathroom with these safe and functional updates. For example, safety grab bars can blend in with the style of your bathroom to be both aesthetically appealing and useful.

Whether the job is a simple door expansion or a total bathroom remodel, home modification is a great step towards a more independent and less stressful lifestyle for everyone involved.

About the Author: Miguel Espinoza is a general contractor in southern Arizona with over 30 years of building experience. As owner of Cienaga Canyon Contractors, Miguel specializes in handicap and independent living home renovations and complete home construction. Miguel is happy to answer any questions and can be contacted by email at Miguel@remodelbymiguel.com; more information can also be found on his website at http://www.rehabremodelaz.com.

Home Care Guide: The 8 Questions You MUST Ask When Hiring a Home Health Aide or Agency

Whether you’re considering enlisting the help of a home care services agency or hiring a personal home health aide, ask these questions to choose the best provider for your needs.

6 Questions to consider BEFORE hiring a home health aide to care for your loved one:

1. What are your expectations for the types of services or care that the aide or agency will provide?

Home care services range from skilled clinical health care provided by nurses or therapists to simple household support, such as cleaning, cooking and running errands.

Think about how much support you need and how much care your loved one requires and write down what specific tasks you’ll need the aide/ agency to do and approximately how much time you’ll need each day/ week. Then develop a list of agencies or aides in your area that can provide that. Ask doctors, family and friends which home health aides or agencies they would recommend.

Read more