Caring For Our Elders During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Elder Care Seattle WA: Recommended screening is a very critical part of preventative care. Colorectal cancer is an issue that all seniors should be screened for. March is committed to helping folks gain knowledge about this disease. It is the second top cause of deaths stemming from cancers that influence both sexes, and 90% of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer were over 50. It is advised that screening start at age 50 and progress until age 75. There are different tests that should be performed routinely to examine for colon cancer.

A colonoscopy should be done once and then every ten years. During this exam, the large and small bowels are viewed with a little camera. This is performed to uncover and take out any polyps and is critical to early cancer diagnosis. The first colonoscopy should be done at age fifty.

While a colonoscopy allows the exam of the entire four to five feet of the colon, a flexible sigmoidoscopy permits the sigmoid colon or the final two feet to be viewed. A colonoscopy is a preferred procedure over a sigmoidoscopy; however, a sigmoidoscopy is shorter. A sigmoidoscopy should be completed every five years.

A fecal occult blood test is a process of colorectal cancer screening that should be done each year. This involves a stool sample being sent to a lab for testing. Chemicals are used to identify blood that cannot be seen. If blood is discovered in the stool, further testing is mandatory. A patient may be referred for a colonoscopy.

A double contrast barium enema may be used every five years for extra testing. This is an approach in which an X-ray of the colon is obtained. The barium used in this exam  highlights the large intestine. It is at the same time delivered to expand the colon, allowing for clearer images. The barium will pass out of the body with stools.

Every person between the ages of fifty and seventy-five should have regular testing for colorectal cancer. Testing should be set up sooner with family history of colorectal cancer or with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Tests are also recommended in some seniors who are over the age of seventy-five. Talk to your primary care physician about colorectal cancer screening today.

At Andelcare, we are dedicated to helping our elders live life to its fullest! If you are interested in how we can help your family with elder care in the Seattle WA area, call 888-788-3051.

Activities for Seniors With Dementia
By The CareGiver Partnership

One of the biggest challenges for caregivers who are providing senior care for a loved one with dementia is coming up with activities for the person in their care.

Research has shown that providing activities can help a senior with dementia keep and use what cognitive function they still have and slow down the progression of the disease.

The good news is that there are tips that can help you come up with meaningful activities. Here are some senior care activities for seniors with dementia:

Consider the interest of the person

It can be difficult to just come up with activities for the loved one in your care. However, if you start by thinking about what activities the senior in your care has enjoyed that may give you a place to start. Keep in mind that you will need to consider how severe the dementia is before you settle on an activity but knowing what they have enjoyed in the past can be a good place to start. For example-If someone loved to garden, cook, sew, or do needlework you can offer an activity that is based on not only what they loved but their current cognitive skill. While you may have to simplify what you do (for example planting seeds instead of pruning), it can still put them in touch with activities that they have enjoyed in the past.

Set up routines

One of the most devastating effects of dementia is the fact that many people who get it begin to feel like they have lost their purpose. You can help the elderly loved one in your care by making them feel more useful and needed. You can do this by setting up activities that you and your loved one can do together. Keep in mind that these tasks do not have to be elaborate or outside of the norm. Simply by taking out the garbage, washing dishes, or folding the laundry you can help the senior in your care feel that they have purpose. Keep in mind that with any type of task that you offer you will need to make sure that it matches the senior’s present cognitive abilities.

Read on for more senior care activities and help keep your loved one healthy, happy and involved.

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If you are looking into senior care for your loved one with dementia, contact the caregivers at Andelcare. We are a home care agency providing senior care in Bellevue WA and the surrounding communities. Call 425-283-0408.

Here Are Some Entertaining Options for For Bringing a Little Fun to Senior Care in Seattle WA

You would be surprised at the wide range of activities that can go along with senior care. Your aging parents who require a caregiver are not any different than we are. They still have a variety of interests and hobbies that can be changed up to meet their new level of abilities.

Raised-bed gardening.

Planters are raised to a height so that someone in a wheelchair or using a walker can easily reach them and there is no kneeling or bending uncomfortably. Gardening provides easy outdoor activities all Spring, Summer, and Fall, and can benefit not only your loved one but the senior care caregiver as well.

Easy Trips

Most malls, fairgrounds, farmers’ markets and other places now have wheelchairs or scooters you can rent for the day if necessary.

Local State Park with a Fishing Area

Fish from a handicap ramp or pier. Most states do not require seniors to have a fishing license but you should check just in case.  Call ahead and talk to the park employees. They can tell you where the wheelchair accessible area of the park is. You can reserve an area in advance and have a day at park.  Grill hot-dogs or hamburgers or bring a picnic basket.

Easy Crafts

You can find loads of easy crafts for your creative loved one. There are websites everywhere that give directions for crafts that most elderly can do.

Those who have a difficulty holding things with their hands might do best with crafts that use large pieces or where painting is the main activity.

What About the Wii?

You may have heard your own children or grandchildren talking about the new game called Wii. This is a device that mimics a sport, such as bowling, tennis, etc., without actually using the sport’s equipment. Wii has been a great success for senior care. Everyone gets a little exercise and it is fun. Start tournaments. A little competition is healthy and it gives your loved one something to look forward to.

Have a Singer in the Family?

Many towns have senior clubs, senior centers and gatherings…some of them include senior groups who get together just to sing!

Summary

Even though your aging parents may be using senior care, keeping them active physically and mentally is extremely important for quality of life. Anyone in the home who is providing senior care on a regular basis can easily incorporate a few of these activities into their weekly regimen.

What kinds of activities can you think of that are appropriate for aging adults who are requiring senior care?

For information about how Andelcare can help your family with senior care in Seattle and the surrounding areas, contact our caregivers today at 888-788-3051.

5 Ways to Cut Down on the Clutter That Goes With Elder Care Services in Bellevue WA

By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor, and Carol O’Dell, Caring.com contributing editor

How quickly every corner of a caregiver’s home seems to fill up with medication bottles, assistive devices, insurance paperwork, and all the other stuff associated with elder care services! These ideas will help you clamp down on clutter — and restore a bit of calm to your life:

1. Build an oasis: one little area that’s your “no caregiving” zone.

It doesn’t have to be a whole room or even a corner of a room — a certain surface, like a stretch of countertop or tabletop, will do. No pills, no papers. This area is meant to always stay nice. Place flowers there and forbid anyone else’s junk in this serene, worry-free space.

2. Set up stations.

Designate one elder care “station”, where you store medications, hygiene and cleaning products, emergency paperwork, and a care-tracking journal (in which everyone who takes part in the care can record events). It can be a cupboard or shelving. An entertainment station could store all books and DVDs, so they’re not scattered everywhere. A coat station (like a closet) becomes the only place outerwear is stored. Having designated areas teaches all family members what “the place for everything” is.

3. Pitch when your loved one isn’t looking.

If your loved one raises a fuss because you’re throwing out magazines she hasn’t read or paper cups that could be used again, get in the habit of tossing things out of the person’s range of sight. For your loved one, it’s usually “out of sight, out of mind.” For you, the purges are sheer necessity.

4. Call a five-minute cleanup.

Set a timer and involve everyone in the house in spending five minutes picking up stray items and putting them where they belong. It doesn’t take long — it’s even energizing! — but it goes a long way toward minimizing the drifts of stuff.

5. Preserve clutter digitally.

So much of clutter is memorabilia, framed photographs, collectibles, and other objects that family members dread letting go of. Only problem: They take up so much room! One solution is to take pictures of these items — then box the actual things up for storage, donation, or sale. Many older adults enjoy looking at the photos without actually needing to have the objects in the room.

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If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of elder care services in the Bellevue WA area, contact the caregivers at Andelcare. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call 888-788-3051 for more information.

Are You and Your Loved One Ready For Elder Care Services in Seattle WA?

The main objective for most families is to help their loved ones dwell in their own home for as long as possible. No one’s preferred choice is to go to a facility or an institution, despite how appealing the building or the decorations. For a senior to stay home securely they many need a few hours of support or around the clock care. An assessment by you, their doctor and a home care professional is needed to determine what care level is best.

UNDERSTANDING THE COST OF ELDER CARE SERVICES:

According to the MetLife Mature Market Annual Survey on the Cost of Care in the United States, the findings look like this:
• The national average daily rate for a private room in a nursing home rose 4.4% from $229 in 2010 to $239 in 2011.
• The national average monthly base rate in an assisted living community rose 5.6% from $3,293 in 2010 to $3,477 in 2011.
• The national average daily rate for adult day services rose 4.5% from $67 in 2010 to $70 in 2011.
• The national average hourly rates for home health aides ($21) and homemakers ($19) were unchanged from 2010.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOUR FAMILY?

The most effective way to know accurately the amount elder care services will cost is to speak to one of our professionals. All together you can come up with a plan of care and a number of hours that is not only reasonably priced, but keeps your aging loved one safe and in their own home.

Talk to someone about options like The VA AID and ATTENDANCE PENSION BENEFIT, Reverse Mortgages, Life Settlements, and Long-Term Care Insurance. Chances are that one of those programs may be able to help with the cost.

HOW SOON CAN ELDER CARE SERVICES START?

As soon as today in most cases. The start date is up to you, but our team is dedicated to getting a caregiver in your home as soon as you need them.

Contact Andelcare today: 888-788-3051

Why In-Home Care in Bellevue WA May be Right for You

from www.thehomecaredirectory.com

In-Home Care is rapidly becoming the most commonly asked for service among today’s aging population.

In-Home Care involves a network of service providers who deliver personal care and maintenance right to the home. These service providers handle routine tasks including light housekeeping, meal preparation, errand running, mail sorting and a whole lot more. If desired, they can also provide assistance with personal care. Besides the elderly, in-home care is a wonderful service for new mothers and those with a short-term disability or illness.

If you’re wondering whether in-home care makes sense, then consider this:

It’s Convenient
Companies providing in-home care are springing up all across the country to meet the needs of the huge numbers of aging individuals so finding a reputable company is easy. When you meet with the contracted in-home care service provider, together you’ll work out a visitation schedule and a list of duties the provider will perform. That ensures the care you receive is personalized to meet your exact needs as well as your schedule.

It’s Comfortable
Because the in-home care provider comes to your home, you’re able to continue living independently, in familiar surroundings. It doesn’t matter whether you’re feeling ill or well, there’s something comforting about being in your home. An added benefit is that your caregiver gives you something your life may be lacking – companionship. That’s right. You can have someone taking care of your home, your personal care and your need for company. In additon, there are many organizations that offer additional in-home services such as Medical Alert System – which provides medical alert systems to seniors and disabled persons with an aim to promote independent living.

It’s Cost-Effective
Dollar for dollar, you get real value when you contract the services of an in-home care provider. You have someone on whom you can rely to handle all the tedious tasks involved with living on your own. You won’t have to contract separately with an errand service, a personal chef, a housekeeper, a nutritionist, and someone to help you get out and about. Think of all the time you’ll save and all the money, too.

It’s Secure
How do you know if the in-home care service provider will actually live up to its claims?  Before contacting an in-home care company, first check to see if it’s insured, licensed and bonded. That’s the best way you have of protecting yourself and your home.

It’s Peace of Mind
Many children of aging parents choose in-home care because it gives them peace of mind. With their own lives to live, oftentimes in completely different states, many adult children can’t regularly pop-in to check on their parents and tend to their needs. With an in-home care service provider doing the checking, families are regularly updated as to the well-being of their parents. That alone is worth the price!

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For information about how Andelcare can help your family with in-home care for your aging loved one, call 888-788-3051. Andelcare is the premier home care agency in Seattle, Bellevue and surrounding areas providing companionship, homemaking and personal care services. As a locally women-owned company experienced in caring for our own parents, we understand that Life is Sweet at Home for the elderly and other adults.

Is a Family Member or Friend Providing In-Home Care in Seattle WA for Your Aging Loved One?

Fantastic Gift Ideas for Caregivers on Valentine’s Day!

If you have a friend or family member providing in-home care for a loved one, finding a wonderful treat for Valentine’s Day is a great way to say thanks. In-home caregivers empower clients to enjoy cheerful, healthy lives in the privacy of their own home and what better way to return the favor than by showing your appreciation for all they do.

Massage

A gift certificate for a massage is the perfect gift for someone who provides in-home care. Half hour and hour massages are available to reduce pressure and emotional stress.  The benefit of an intensive, hands-on massage might motivate them to make a massage a part of their monthly routine. There are many qualified massage salons in your area and who wouldn’t love a relaxing time at the spa!

Gift Basket

You can buy pre-packaged gift baskets at many retail stores, on the internet and at florists. If you already know the caregiver, you can build the basket yourself by including some of their favorite things. One example is, if you know they like to garden, fill up the basket with small garden tools, packages of flower seeds and a flowerpot. If the caregiver is a guy, fill the basket with sports-themed objects and a gift certificate for a round of golf.

Gift Certificates

Give the caregiver a Valentine’s Day card along with a gift certificate to dinner or to the movies. Attempt to find out some of the caregiver’s favorite places to eat and get a certificate to that certain place. Order movies tickets online so they will not  expire and the caregiver can use them at anytime.

Spa Treatments

Female caregivers will like a spa day or spa treatments. Provide her a gift certificate to a local spa. Some spas offer you half day and full day amenities. Another approach is to get a gift certificate to a local nail salon for a manicure and pedicure. This will allow the caregiver to spend time on herself and relax.

Tea or Coffee

If the caregiver enjoys tea or coffee, make a special gift to give them on Valentine’s Day. Fill sizeable coffee mugs with an array of coffee and a gift card to a nearby coffee shop. For a tea lover, fill sizeable glasses with different bags and boxes of tea.

Overview

In-home care takes a special person with a lot of patience. Show your caregiver how much you care about the things they do for you and your loved one by giving them a special gift on Valentine’s Day.

If you are looking into hiring a caregiver for in-home care in the Seattle WA area, contact Andelcare. We are a premeire home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Seattle and the surrounding communities. Call 888-788-3051 for more information.

Proposal Would Expand Support for Military Caregivers

Caregiver Support For Military Home Healthcare in Bellevue WA
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 – First Lady Michelle Obama today announced a series of measures intended to increase the nation’s support for caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members.

Joined by Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis and senior military leaders, Obama announced the Labor Department’s proposal to expand military family leave protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

These proposed rules will, in part, enable more military family members to take the time they need to care for their loved ones without fear of career repercussions, the first lady said.

“We want to recognize the extraordinary dedication, sacrifice and service of our nation’s caregivers, not simply with words, but with deeds,” Obama told the audience gathered at the Labor Department here. “These are men and women and children who will do anything for their loved ones, no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the consequences.”

The Labor Department’s proposed expansions of the Family and Medical Leave Act will help more caregivers of troops and veterans provide home care to their wounded loved ones, Solis explained. FMLA, enacted in 1993, enables eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

“Many service members come home stressed, ill and injured,” Solis said. “They need attention, care and support from the people that love them the most. And we’ve got an obligation as a nation to make that possible.”

read more here

Andelcare is dedicated to providing quality and affordable home care support for your loved one. If you have questions, call us at 888-788-3051.