So often we get asked by family members for different things a caregiver can do with their loved one to keep them active. Below is an article from disabled-world.com that helps provide some ideas.
Has it just occurred to you that your retirement has left you turning in circles?
You finally have your well earned freedom and you don't know what to do with it anymore? There are many hobbies out there that you can take part in and we will be speaking of some in this short article. Hopefully we will awaken an old passion of yours and get you to enjoy it as much as you dreamed of enjoying it then.
Writing - With all the beautiful moments of joy you may have lived in your lifetime, might it inspire you to creative writings and thoughts. Why not write a book or novel that will be passed down to your children and their children. We all have so much to say so why not write it so that all can be said? Feeding your mind with creative writings, love stories with a little bit of fantasy and such can be a great aid to staying happy. Filling your mind with passionate stories may bring back the passion in many other areas of your daily routines.
Music - Music is a big part of our lives. We always have some long forgotten favorites, a moment of joy can follow the sound of an old soothing melody you used to know so well. While you hold time in your hands why not go on the lookout for all of your lost favorites with the thought of bringing them to play in your home. That may be one step to keeping a nice healthy smile on your face, and a warm feeling in your heart as you sink into comfort. So put your favorite music on and let it play as you find an interest for these other hobbies.
Cooking - Now is the time to excell in cooking more then ever. There is not much that can make you more proud then one of your successful recipes. Make lots of it and give some to your children and grandchildren, to your neighbors and friends. There is no way to more appreciate life then with good food, and if you can make the best food... keep that smile on your face. There are so many things out there to experiment with take everything that looks plausible and mix it together, give it your own touch toss it around in the oven or on the stove. Be proud of getting better at it and you will often end up with miracle food, that being when you can't help enjoying it.
Homemade Soap - One of the fastest growing hobby businesses of the last 10 years is soap making. The process of soap making can be a tedious somewhat dangerous enterprise, which begs the question, why? Why are so many Americans pursuing a task our colonial ancestors were glad to be rid of? Mainly because it is such a fun and enjoyable pastime creating various fragrances and shapes out of your own bars of soap. You may even find yourself earning some extra money selling your homemade soap. See our article on how to make homemade soap.
Yoga and Exercise - You can start off with yoga, if you haven't done yoga before simply improvise and it will still work. Put on some of the most soothing songs that you can. Or even better then music are those tapes of relaxing sounds of nature, or anything similar like where you can hear birds and water streams. Then simply sit down in your most comfortable position for a moment and listen to the soothing sounds. Relate to the sounds of nature and as your eyes are closed imagine yourself there. Imagine that you are no longer yourself but part of what you are hearing, you are the water and the birds, as you are the leaves and the wind. Now slowly stretch in a manner that would be most comfortable to you. Attend to your body and muscles, and stretch them with ease slowly in whatever direction they desire going. You may do it for as long as you feel completely emptied of bad thoughts. Then you can face the day with some more physical training.
Knitting and Crochet - For all women, be aware that every family needs at least one person who is able to fix the holes in all that nice clothes. Most of the time your grandchildren will make you the elect. If it is something you like doing, why not? You may sharpen your skills and even make clothes from scratch, get creative and make surprises. What is more fun then having your own fashion design shop in the comfort of your home? It is an art so complex and the possibilities are endless, get in with your own style and wear the clothes you make. Then make something your children may like while practicing for getting better at what you love doing. Free Crochet Patterns
Grow and Even Sell Herbs - Not only is herb growing a fantastic hobby for the elderly and people with disabilities, it can also be a very very profitable pastime. Herbs are in huge demand these days due to the huge increase in popularity of natural healing and treatments using age old remedies such as herbs and spices and not to mention the healthy eating trend that is taking the country by storm. Fresh herbs be used for home remedies and cooking and are also very popular dried. They can be turned into products, such as herbal balms, essential oils, and various ointments. Do some research and you will soon see exactly what a huge market and potential you have for earning money from a product that costs next to nothing to produce. Not to mention the lovely fresh herbs you will have to add to your own dishes. More on how to make money growing and selling herbs.
Wood Work - For all men with some extra space in their house or garage, some Wood Work can be the real deal. Make wood railings, desks and tables then replace your old ones that were bought at a store by the ones that you have made. After a while you can start making your own wild designs, each looking better then the last. You may eventually decide to get back what making them is costing you by selling them to people you know or by finding a way to get your work known to your neighborhood. In any case the making of beautiful furniture is always appreciated by both you and all who may set their eyes on your work, they might even buy one of your projects to motivate you. What you can do is really limitless, from chairs to mobile walls and wall corners, tables and foot stools. Add your own touch to everything around you, make your own furniture and interior decorations, it's hard to beat the end result. Both the beautiful environment it will bring to your home and your creative mind running loose in it's construction.
Collecting - Collecting pretty much anything can be a fun hobby. Take something you like, whether it's stamps or coin collecting and give yourself an objective. Let's say you want 100 of a certain type or model, then you can do that. If you want to collect all the different types and models, that could be another option. What you can do is try and get your hands on all the coins from 1900 to 2008, when you have succeeded that objective you can stretch the date back to the 1800's and go for those, it is an easy hobby and not too much maintenance is required after you are up and started. It really on requires the first initial search through your own change and how you are going to be holding it in an organized fashion. There are some coin folders you can get in certain shops which can then be placed inside a book. You can then flip the pages which are coin holders and transparent so that you can well see where you are at, and which ones you are missing. Then once you get a little change after a purchase simply search through it and see if you might have the ones you are missing between 1995 and 1998. Have Fun!
Laugh and Giggle - Jokes, comedy shows and family games where improvising is involved are just a number of ways for having fun. Set up a date where you and your family can get together and have a night of fun and laughter. Put on some comedy shows in the living room, get busy with some jokes in the kitchen and find a place to play some role playing comedy with your family and friends. One fun game is where everyone takes turns to imitate a profession, action or person. Without talking or giving hints through speech, the person who is standing must try to act as what they have chosen to be. For example if one were to try to imitate an electrician they would try and pretend they are playing with wires or fake getting an electric jolt. Then everyone else tries to be the first to guess what that person is imitating, the one who does guess it first then becomes the one who must stand up and role play. Whatever you can do to laugh more and have some fun is good, give yourself some time and do so as much as possible. It's just one of those things that will keep you healthy.
Model making - Building miniature planes cars and buildings. Some of these come as puzzles while cars and planes come with parts and pieces along with an assembly plan. Once assembled you can paint the car or plane the way you want it to look like and give it your own style, or paint it the way the assembly plan tells you to, as to make it what it is originally supposed to look like. There are also small to big buildings you can make which come as puzzles. Some of these can have from hundreds to thousands of pieces or less, depending on your patience. Once built they are good for collection and are worthwile once you are done, since you have worked hard for it to achieve it's final state. This can be a very fun hobby and starting a collection on a shelf is always pleasing.
Go for a walk - Take a slow relaxing walk and don't be scared of what is going on around you, see what the young one's are doing in the city. Let yourself fall into well being and no one will take it away from you. There are too many elders out there who walk staring to the ground while avoiding all eye contact, we should not be hiding we should be proud of what we are and have been.
Although you are older now you should not be treating yourself lightly, be good to yourself. Now that you no longer work you can be MORE active then anyone else. Don't not let fear from television programs or news stations keep you from taking a walk everyday. The world is yours now, go out and explore without thought that you are old and vulnerable for it will keep you from living.
Get yourself back in shape, it is not impossible in any way. It can only get better if you take it slow and then slowly get more and more active.
From walks to short joggings, when inside your home why not try a few jumping jacks. There is nothing to be shy about, and you shouldn't feel that you can't be doing it. Slowly but surely you will feel yourself live again as you attend to your own good.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How to Care for Loved Ones After a Stroke
Kayla Harris penned the following article on how to care for a loved one who suffered from a stroke.
A stroke can be a positive or negative life-changing event. Whatever will it be for your loved one, only one thing is for sure—a stroke can be very challenging. It’s easier to accept the negative effects of stroke than struggle and turn them into a positive life-changing event. But you can do something to help your loved one turn this negative into a positive thing.
You see, people who have had a stroke start to become frustrated about their selves because they can do few things and they can’t live the life they once had. But with the support of people who love them, they surely can feel better, at least. At most, your care and support might help your loved one recover from stroke for good. Either way, your support for a stroke victim will surely be a positive thing for them. Here are some ways on how you can take care for a loved one after they’ve had a stroke:
* Rehabilitation. Undergoing rehabilitation is very important before returning home. But some stroke victims refuse any rehabilitation effort usually because of hopelessness. If that’s the case, you should encourage the stroke victim to undergo rehabilitation efforts. Explain to him the benefits of a rehabilitation program and how important it is.
* Practice. Your loved one will learn a lot of things in the rehabilitation program. You will learn what these things are, too. It’s very vital to encourage him to continue practicing what he has learned from the rehabilitation program. Offer your assistance also especially for complicated activities so that the patient won’t end up frustrated.
* Have fun. Being happy while suffering stroke is next to impossible. But if you initiate fun activities with a stroke victim, he might forget about the condition and be happy. By doing what the victim enjoys, he will surely see the bright side of life.
* Assistive devices. Stroke victims will find it hard to practice mobility. But with assistive devices, they can do better with their usual everyday things-to-dos like walking, getting dressed, and eating. These devices will help the patient do things on his own, and it is not only helpful for his development but for his self-esteem.
* Joining groups. Encourage the stroke patient to join groups especially established for stroke victims. Exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow victims will help him realize that he is not alone and that his condition is curable. Perhaps, he’ll also learn that having a stroke is not the end of his world.
Most stroke victims can still be cured depending on how determined they are and how their loved ones inspire them to continue fighting. After all, there’s no better option for you and your loved one but to try every possible way to recover from stroke. Struggling is better than doing nothing even though it can be very difficult for you and your loved one. But the stroke victim usually sources out strength from people around him. You should be stronger and determined than the victim—it’s the best way you can do to help.
A stroke can be a positive or negative life-changing event. Whatever will it be for your loved one, only one thing is for sure—a stroke can be very challenging. It’s easier to accept the negative effects of stroke than struggle and turn them into a positive life-changing event. But you can do something to help your loved one turn this negative into a positive thing.
You see, people who have had a stroke start to become frustrated about their selves because they can do few things and they can’t live the life they once had. But with the support of people who love them, they surely can feel better, at least. At most, your care and support might help your loved one recover from stroke for good. Either way, your support for a stroke victim will surely be a positive thing for them. Here are some ways on how you can take care for a loved one after they’ve had a stroke:
* Rehabilitation. Undergoing rehabilitation is very important before returning home. But some stroke victims refuse any rehabilitation effort usually because of hopelessness. If that’s the case, you should encourage the stroke victim to undergo rehabilitation efforts. Explain to him the benefits of a rehabilitation program and how important it is.
* Practice. Your loved one will learn a lot of things in the rehabilitation program. You will learn what these things are, too. It’s very vital to encourage him to continue practicing what he has learned from the rehabilitation program. Offer your assistance also especially for complicated activities so that the patient won’t end up frustrated.
* Have fun. Being happy while suffering stroke is next to impossible. But if you initiate fun activities with a stroke victim, he might forget about the condition and be happy. By doing what the victim enjoys, he will surely see the bright side of life.
* Assistive devices. Stroke victims will find it hard to practice mobility. But with assistive devices, they can do better with their usual everyday things-to-dos like walking, getting dressed, and eating. These devices will help the patient do things on his own, and it is not only helpful for his development but for his self-esteem.
* Joining groups. Encourage the stroke patient to join groups especially established for stroke victims. Exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow victims will help him realize that he is not alone and that his condition is curable. Perhaps, he’ll also learn that having a stroke is not the end of his world.
Most stroke victims can still be cured depending on how determined they are and how their loved ones inspire them to continue fighting. After all, there’s no better option for you and your loved one but to try every possible way to recover from stroke. Struggling is better than doing nothing even though it can be very difficult for you and your loved one. But the stroke victim usually sources out strength from people around him. You should be stronger and determined than the victim—it’s the best way you can do to help.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day
All of at Right at Home want to wish everyone a happy - and safe - St. Patrick's Day!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rising Costs for Seniors in 2010
How much does it cost to grow old in the United States? Many people look forward to retiring with a healthy savings account and dream of spending their days traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. But as seniors are living longer – the average life expectancy in 2010 is 78 – they are also becoming financially vulnerable when it comes to their ability to meet essential expenses and cover projected costs over their lifetimes.
“Some seniors are faced with a growing financial gap between income and basic needs,” said Douglas Dickstein, owner of Right at Home in the Greater Los Angeles area. “However, there are resources available to help seniors continue to live independently.”
Rising Costs
Seniors and their loved ones are dealing with the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare. While the average Social Security benefit for a couple is $21,569 per year, basic living expenses exceed an average of $31,000 per year.
Rising healthcare costs are a main concern for seniors. Research has shown that Medicare covers only about half of a senior’s medical expenses, contrary to the common belief that Medicare will cover most costs. Seniors spend more on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses than any other age group and their spending is more than double the average of non-elderly adults, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. Seniors, ages 65 and older, spend an average of $4,888 annually for deductibles, co-payments, premiums and other healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.
Many seniors also must deal with the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. The costs associated with senior care can vary greatly depending on the number of hours of service needed each day or week, where you are located in the country and the level of services you need. According to a recent survey by MetLife, the hourly rates of home health aide workers and respite care providers range from $8 to $40 per hour. Monthly costs vary widely because of the varying time periods that someone may need care. For example, some people use home care a few hours a day while others use home care around the clock. Cost can also vary depending on the services utilized in your home. The cost of assisted living facilities ranges from $850 to $4,000 per month, while the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $6,400 per month.
Available Resources
There are many options and tools available to help seniors pay for these necessary expenses. One option is the purchase of long term care insurance. Just like other insurances, with long term care insurance, policy owners pay a premium for coverage in the event that you will need home care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home in the future. There are many different types of policies that you can choose from, some that even protect against inflation. Of course, the best time to apply is when you are healthy, young and not in need of it.
Long term care insurance can be an important investment in your future, but it’s very important to have all of the facts before you buy. Before you make any decision on whether or not to purchase long term care insurance, you should seek the counsel of your financial advisor, elder law attorney or insurance agent to fully review all of the different types of coverage available.
Another option to pay for costs associated with aging is a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners ages 62 or older to access the equity they have in their home. The lender makes payments to you, the homeowner, not the other way around. Think of it this way: a reverse mortgage gradually reduces the amount of equity you have in your home by the amount of the payments advanced to you, plus interest on the amount advanced, plus any fees you finance as part of the deal.
The money that is accessed can be used to make improvements and modifications for safety and accessibility, pay for home care needs or a variety of other expenses. The funds you receive are likely to be tax-free and will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits. For more information on reverse mortgages, you can call the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 1-800-569-4287 to obtain contact information for an HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a list of FHA-approved lenders in your area. AARP also offers information about reverse mortgages you may find useful, including alternatives to a reverse mortgage. The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) is another great Web site to visit for more information.
“Some seniors are faced with a growing financial gap between income and basic needs,” said Douglas Dickstein, owner of Right at Home in the Greater Los Angeles area. “However, there are resources available to help seniors continue to live independently.”
Rising Costs
Seniors and their loved ones are dealing with the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and healthcare. While the average Social Security benefit for a couple is $21,569 per year, basic living expenses exceed an average of $31,000 per year.
Rising healthcare costs are a main concern for seniors. Research has shown that Medicare covers only about half of a senior’s medical expenses, contrary to the common belief that Medicare will cover most costs. Seniors spend more on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses than any other age group and their spending is more than double the average of non-elderly adults, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. Seniors, ages 65 and older, spend an average of $4,888 annually for deductibles, co-payments, premiums and other healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.
Many seniors also must deal with the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. The costs associated with senior care can vary greatly depending on the number of hours of service needed each day or week, where you are located in the country and the level of services you need. According to a recent survey by MetLife, the hourly rates of home health aide workers and respite care providers range from $8 to $40 per hour. Monthly costs vary widely because of the varying time periods that someone may need care. For example, some people use home care a few hours a day while others use home care around the clock. Cost can also vary depending on the services utilized in your home. The cost of assisted living facilities ranges from $850 to $4,000 per month, while the average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $6,400 per month.
Available Resources
There are many options and tools available to help seniors pay for these necessary expenses. One option is the purchase of long term care insurance. Just like other insurances, with long term care insurance, policy owners pay a premium for coverage in the event that you will need home care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home in the future. There are many different types of policies that you can choose from, some that even protect against inflation. Of course, the best time to apply is when you are healthy, young and not in need of it.
Long term care insurance can be an important investment in your future, but it’s very important to have all of the facts before you buy. Before you make any decision on whether or not to purchase long term care insurance, you should seek the counsel of your financial advisor, elder law attorney or insurance agent to fully review all of the different types of coverage available.
Another option to pay for costs associated with aging is a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners ages 62 or older to access the equity they have in their home. The lender makes payments to you, the homeowner, not the other way around. Think of it this way: a reverse mortgage gradually reduces the amount of equity you have in your home by the amount of the payments advanced to you, plus interest on the amount advanced, plus any fees you finance as part of the deal.
The money that is accessed can be used to make improvements and modifications for safety and accessibility, pay for home care needs or a variety of other expenses. The funds you receive are likely to be tax-free and will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits. For more information on reverse mortgages, you can call the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 1-800-569-4287 to obtain contact information for an HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a list of FHA-approved lenders in your area. AARP also offers information about reverse mortgages you may find useful, including alternatives to a reverse mortgage. The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) is another great Web site to visit for more information.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Right at Home Owner Doug Dickstein quoted in L.A. Times
Right at Home owner Doug Dickstein was interviewed and quoted for a recent L.A. Times article written by Michelle Hofmann. To read the article in its entirety regarding purchasing homes for the multigenerational family, here is a link to the story online
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Right at Home welcomes a new Staffing Coordinator
Right at Home in Glendale is happy to announce that they've hired Joanne Acosta to as a Staffing Coordinator.
Joanne has worked as a staffing coordinator for four years at 2 other companies and after taking a short break for school is back working in the industry she has a passion for.
Joanne will be in charge of hiring, staffing and scheduling our caregivers as well as other office administrative duteies.
We are so pleased that Joanne chose to join the Right at Home team!
Joanne has worked as a staffing coordinator for four years at 2 other companies and after taking a short break for school is back working in the industry she has a passion for.
Joanne will be in charge of hiring, staffing and scheduling our caregivers as well as other office administrative duteies.
We are so pleased that Joanne chose to join the Right at Home team!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Caregiver of the Month in February - Megan M.
Congratulations to Megan McHone for being named our caregiver of the month for the February 2010.
Megan has worked for Right at Home for just under a year and has worked on a variety of companion care cases. She is currently working part-time on three (3) different cases and has always been extremely well received by all of our clients.
Full of style and sass, Megan has become a breath of fresh air both for the clients she serves as well as our office staff. Megan, who owns her own catering business and also volunteers at Meals on Wheels, is a great part of the Right at Home team.
Congratulations Megan!
Megan has worked for Right at Home for just under a year and has worked on a variety of companion care cases. She is currently working part-time on three (3) different cases and has always been extremely well received by all of our clients.
Full of style and sass, Megan has become a breath of fresh air both for the clients she serves as well as our office staff. Megan, who owns her own catering business and also volunteers at Meals on Wheels, is a great part of the Right at Home team.
Congratulations Megan!
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