How to Manage Multiple Chronic Health Conditions

Did you know that many seniors are simultaneously managing three or more chronic health conditions? That means multiple medications, numerous visits to different doctors and specialists, and treatment plans that may change every few months. If you’re juggling a few different health issues, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.  Advocate for yourself at each appointment and bring your spouse or a close friend with you for extra support. In this article, our senior care teams in NJ have compiled a list of more tips for managing multiple chronic health conditions. 

Tell your doctor right away if a treatment doesn’t seem to be working or is causing problems. 

Medications often cause side effects, and taking multiple medications can result in certain unpleasant interactions. While your doctor can give you an idea of what to expect, they can’t predict every interaction. If you experience uncomfortable side effects or medication interactions that are out of the norm, contact your doctor immediately so they can find a suitable alternative. 

Speak up if the treatment plan is too complicated, confusing, or unclear.

When you’re taking a few different medications at once, your doctor should give you extremely clear written instructions. These directions should include when to take each medication, whether or not you need to take each medication with food, what time of day to take your medications, and things to avoid while on certain medications, such as alcohol.

If anything seems unclear, the best time to get clarification is while you’re still with the doctor. Don’t worry about making the doctor repeat themselves or asking too many questions. It’s important that you understand exactly how to take the various medications you’ve been prescribed. If you have someone accompanying you at the appointment, you can ask them to take notes as well to remember and understand the specifics of properly managing your medications. 

The best place to keep your medication instruction sheet is on the fridge, since you likely keep your medications in one of your kitchen cabinets. If you keep your medications in the bathroom instead, you might want to keep the instructions in a bathroom drawer so it’s easily accessible whenever you need it. 

Tell the doctor about your older adult’s priorities for care

If you’re helping your senior parent manage their medications, you may need to check in with their doctor from time to time. It’s important that their doctor is aware of certain things like your parent’s lifestyle. For example, if your dad loves to be outdoors and spends a lot of time outside gardening, they may need to avoid medications that make them extra sensitive to sunlight. 

More than anything, you want your senior parent to be safe and comfortable when dealing with their chronic conditions. Be sure to check in with them regularly and ask how they’re feeling. Check that they aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort as a result of their medications, and help them manage their medication,  schedule their doctor’s appointments, and even attend their appointments with them if they agree to it. 

For more information on helping your senior loved one manage multiple chronic health conditions, or if you have any questions about our senior care options in NJ, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/multiple-chronic-health-conditions/

How to Choose the Right Home Health Aide for My Senior Parent’s Needs

While it is important that caregivers be trained, experienced, screened and certified , much of successful caregiving comes down to the relationship that is established with your parent. Does your mom have specific cleaning requirements when it comes to how she would like to keep her home? Does she want or need things a certain way?  Is she a talker? A reader? A loner? Finding a reliable, friendly, and compassionate Certified Home Health Aide is essential for ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being, and establishing the right kind of relationship can develop. If you’re worried about whether a CHHA or companion will be able to properly navigate your senior parent’s lifestyle, our home care agency in NJ will give some tips on how to choose the right person based on your parent’s needs.

Properly Evaluate Your Parent’s Needs. Before starting your search for the “perfect” home health aide, it’s important to conduct a thorough and unsentimental assessment of your senior parent’s needs. Take note of any medical conditions, mobility issues, dietary restrictions, quirks, or personal preferences they have when company is visiting their home. Being realistic about their specific requirements will help you find a compatible caregiver who can provide more personalized care.

Verify Credentials and Experience. When entrusting your parent’s well-being to someone, ensure they possess the necessary certifications and experience. Qualified home health aides should have certifications and training in relevant areas such as CPR, first aid, and geriatric care. UMC at Homeworks has a team of Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) and in-home companions, extensively trained to deliver top-quality care for your loved one.

Find Similarities. Compatibility plays a pivotal role in the caregiver-client relationship. Look for a certified aide who shares similar interests and values with your senior parent. A compassionate caregiver will not only provide physical assistance, but also emotional support for your loved one. This emotional support will foster trust, which is key to the longevity of their relationship. UMC caregivers, for instance, are carefully screened, and there is a conscious effort to pair up individuals who are more likely to click, based on our many years of experience.

Due Diligence. Thoroughly researching the agency’s reputation will help you gain insight into its track record and client satisfaction. United Methodist Communities’ entire century-old mission is the care and abundant life of seniors… so we respectfully suggest that you can confidently start with us! Both through our senior communities and in-home caregivers, UMC is an expert in empowering seniors to lead fulfilling lives. 

Inquire About Scaling Up Services. Flexibility in caregiving schedules and the availability of additional services can make a significant difference in effectively meeting your parent’s needs. UMC at Homeworks offers a wide range of services, including housekeeping, medication management, and even in-home memory care, ensuring your loved one’s needs are met now – and well down the road.

Take the Time to Interview. Perform a thorough background check and then set up in-person interviews with potential candidates. Engaging in a face-to-face meeting will give you a better idea of the caregiver’s usual demeanor and how well they can relay information back to you. Remember, you want someone who is confident in their abilities, but isn’t afraid to reach out and let you know if there is a change with mom or dad. 

Qualified At-Home Caregivers For Seniors in New Jersey

Choosing the right home health aide for your senior parent can be challenging to say the least. Like with most good things, it takes time to find the right fit. By taking the steps outlined above, it is more than possible to find the perfect caregiver to ensure your loved one’s well-being and happiness. 

United Methodist Communities Homeworks’ commitment to providing exceptional care makes us a trusted partner in enhancing the lives of seniors across New Jersey. With our client-centric approach, years of experience, and compassion at the forefront of everything we do, your senior parent will receive the support they need to thrive in the comfort of their own home.

To learn more about our certified home health aides and companions, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-home-health-aide-for-my-senior-parents-needs/

A Fall Focus on Fall Prevention

For most of us, fall season is a beautiful season filled with a sense of change and reflection of another year heading toward winter. While you’re surveying the beautiful hues of orange, red, and yellow leaves on the trees, don’t forget to watch where you’re going!

According to the CDC, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults 65+ each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for a fall injury. One out of every five reported falls requires medical treatment, such as for broken bones or head trauma.

What might have seemed like a minor fall 20 years ago can become life-altering when we get to an age where our body does not react or recover like it used to. In the course of taking care of hundreds of seniors who live with us at United Methodist Communities at the Shores, we’ve learned a thing or two about preventing falls and identifying fall risks. This information can be used right now by families acting as caregivers for their older loved ones.

Identify Hazards in the Home

According to the National Institute on Aging, 60% of senior citizen falls happen right in their homes, and 80% of those occur in the bathroom. It’s safe to say that the bathroom is a good place to start identifying hazards.

1. Install a safety bar in the shower. To borrow a phrase from Nike, Just Do It. A wet shower is the number one place seniors slip, and without something solid to hold, they are just asking for trouble. It doesn’t cost much to have a professional install it right over the tile, into the studs behind the wall – so it is held strongly and securely.
2. Tile floors should be covered with no-slip mats. Water that spills onto your mom’s pretty tile floor is slippery. It’s like putting a bit of ice under a senior’s foot as they exit the shower or bath. There are hundreds of colors and shapes to choose from, just make sure the mat you select is designed for the bathroom floor and has rubber on the bottom to prevent sliding.
3. Toilet handrails – Turning and lowering oneself is another action that becomes more difficult as we get older. A handrail next to the toilet gives seniors another point of stability and support as they negotiate getting up and down.
4. Keep important, frequently used items on the low shelves. A simple rearrangement of where things are in the bathroom and kitchen can eliminate most unnecessary reaching and grabbing for your senior parent.
5. Get rid of clutter – Many children notice that their parents aren’t keeping things as neat and clean as they used to. If boxes and other clutter begin to pile up in odd places, their home can become a bit of an obstacle course. Bottom line is that the less stuff seniors leave lying around, the less there is to bump into or trip over. You can do your part by making sure to pick up all the grandkids’ toys after they visit Mom!

Identify Potential Health Issues that Pose a Fall Risk

If the senior you’re caring for has eyesight problems, stiffness, mobility issues, or dizzy spells when rising suddenly (called “Postural Hypotension”), or signs of memory loss, all of these will put them at increased risk of falling. A doctor is certainly the best person to help mitigate these conditions and recommend a plan of medication, exercise, and diet that can help longer term.

Sometimes seniors won’t admit they are experiencing these symptoms or will deny their severity. “It’s nothing, I just got up too fast…” If you are a caregiver, we recommend that you do your best to get them in front of their doctor sooner rather than later to avoid a fall or serious injury.

There May Come a Time…

We all have busy lives. The complexities of dealing with parents as they age are as complicated and varied as there are unique families in the world. But even those seniors lucky enough to have a loving family around them may come to realize that the 24/7 care and monitoring available in a good assisted living community is exactly what they need. The odds of a senior having a fall are greatly reduced in a well-designed senior community like The Shores, and if a senior does have an accident, team members are on-site 24/7 to respond quickly and provide aid.

To learn more about how we enforce senior safety at our assisted living community in South Jersey, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/a-fall-focus-on-fall-prevention/

Caregivers: Unsung Heroes in Assisted Living

In the bustling world of senior care, it’s easy to overlook the silent heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Those modest heroes are none other than caregivers in assisted living communities like ours! Simply put, our unwavering mission to serve seniors from all walks of life succeeds because of our dedicated, accomplished caregiving team. Each person on our team embodies a spirit of commitment, empathy, and knowledge that brighten the lives of each resident. As we delve into the integral role of these unsung heroes, we’ll discover their profound impact on enhancing every senior’s quality of life here at Pitman.

All-encompassing care. Our caregivers are more than just medical professionals; they are companions on each resident’s journey to aging gracefully. From assisting with daily tasks like getting dressed to administering medication and monitoring health conditions, caregivers play a pivotal part in ensuring the health and safety of every resident. Their dedication is evident in how they tailor each service to best suit every senior in their care – ensuring all residents’ needs are met appropriately.

Compassion in action. Empathy is the cornerstone of caregiving here at Pitman. Our caregivers approach each aspect of their work with compassion, treating residents not merely as patients but as cherished members of an extended family. They truly understand how a simple smile, a listening ear, or a high-five can make all the difference in turning a senior’s day around.

Expertise and finding opportunities for enrichment. Assisted living communities thrive on the knowledge of caregivers with specialized training in gerontology and senior care. Their expertise is crucial in managing chronic conditions, preventing health complications, and providing rehabilitative care when necessary. Taking it a step further, our caregivers, in particular, possess an innate ability to spot a recluse senior and devote the extra time to get them more involved within the community. At every turn, our caregivers will gently encourage them to engage in activities that promote mental stimulation and social interaction. This dynamic approach to care helps each resident maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Fostering social connections. Loneliness and social isolation can often be unwelcome companions for seniors. That’s why our caregivers work diligently to create an inclusive environment where residents can cultivate more meaningful connections. As we mentioned above, our team takes the time to ensure every resident gets involved with community life at a pace they feel most comfortable with. From organizing group outings to facilitating clubs and leading exercise classes, caregivers do everything in their power to nurture a vibrant, social, and accepting community. If your loved one is the shy type, don’t worry – with a little patience and persistence, we will help break them out of their shell and find an activity or two they feel comfortable with!

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: UMC MVPs

As a testament to their remarkable contributions, United Methodist Communities takes a heartfelt initiative to honor caregivers who go above and beyond. The title of “UMC MVP” (Most Valuable Player) is bestowed upon one caregiver each month in each community, to formally recognize their exceptional commitment and service. This gesture not only acknowledges their dedication but also serves as a source of inspiration for their colleagues, fostering a culture of excellence in caregiving. This past month’s UMC MVP at Pitman was none other than our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Courtney Orf!

Courtney, as well as the rest of the UMC at Pitman care team, serve as pillars of support for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the residents they serve. As they navigate the challenges and joys of aging alongside their residents, caregivers create a place that feels like home. Their efforts echo far beyond the walls of the community, leaving a lasting impact on the lives they touch. So, here’s to the caregivers – the unsung heroes who lead the path for our cherished seniors at UMC at Pitman!

To learn more about how our caregivers truly impact the quality of life for seniors in Gloucester County, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/caregivers-unsung-heroes-in-assisted-living/

Nutrition As We Grow Older

You can’t nourish the mind without nourishing the body! One of the main ways to do this is to keep on top of our nutrition – especially as we age and our dietary needs change. In this month’s blog, we will focus on UMC at Collingswood’s approach to nutrition, highlighting the importance of well-balanced meals, specialized dining options, and nutritional counseling to promote seniors’ overall health. This comprehensive strategy empowers seniors to embrace their later years with vitality and a deep sense of wellness.

Importance of Well-Balanced Meals for Seniors

With aging comes physiological changes that can impact seniors’ ability to absorb nutrients efficiently. At UMC at Collingswood, the cornerstone of our nutritional philosophy lies in well-balanced meals. Every dish is meticulously crafted by trained executive chefs to encompass a variety of essential nutrients, ensuring that residents receive the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. These meals are also tailored to address common concerns such as bone health, heart health, and cognitive function.

Specialized Dietary Options for Older Adults

Understanding that individual nutritional needs can significantly differ, we place a strong emphasis on specialized dining options. Seniors may have unique health conditions or tastes that require a tailored approach. Whether it’s managing diabetes, catering to gluten sensitivities and other allergies, or adhering to low-sodium diets, our Dining Services team is well-equipped to provide delicious options that meet these requirements.

In addition, we recognize the importance of cultural and personal preferences when it comes to food. By offering diverse menu choices and an a la carte “Always Available” menu, residents can choose dishes that resonate with them, creating the sense of comfort that comes from a home-cooked meal.

Nutritional Counseling for Senior Wellness

The journey towards optimal nutrition doesn’t end with well-balanced meals and dietary modifications. At Collingswood, we go a step further by providing nutritional counseling services. A qualified nutritionist or dietitian can work closely with each resident to create more personalized diet plans to follow every day. These plans not only address individual health goals, but also consider any unique medical conditions or concerns. Regular counseling sessions empower seniors with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices about their nutrition – as proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting mental health and cognitive function.

NJ Assisted Living Community that Prioritizes Nutrition and Wellness

Nutrition isn’t just about the food we eat – it’s about the shared experiences, connections, and conversations that take place around the table. UMC at Collingswood understands this intrinsic link between social interaction and wellness. Our dining spaces are designed to encourage communal dining, allowing residents to bond over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This time spent together also promotes more healthy eating habits through positive peer influence.

Above all else, aging seniors deserve a life that’s vibrant, fulfilling, and nourishing in every sense. By providing different services that work together to prioritize nutrition, our community empowers seniors to embrace their later years with a real zest for life!

To learn more about how UMC at Collingswood is supporting good nutrition for seniors in Camden County, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/nutrition-as-we-grow-older/

Gentle Exercises for Seniors with Arthritis

Over 100 different conditions fall under the term arthritis, but fortunately they all have similar treatments. The most notable treatments are adequate rest, exercise, a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, and, for some, medications prescribed by your doctor. While you may want to just take it easy when your arthritis is flaring up, doing a few easy exercises can help relieve some tension. Our caregiving experts in Sussex County put together a list of gentle but effective exercises to minimize arthritis pain if you’re looking for a great place to start!

Arthritis in Your Hands or Wrists

1. Fist close: This exercise can maintain finger flexibility. Simply close your hand into a fist (slowly if necessary) and hold for five seconds, or as long as possible. Release and repeat this ten times on both hands.
2. Wrist bends: Regularly performing this exercise will help maintain the flexibility of your wrists. Place your elbow on a comfortable height table with your hand pointed to the ceiling. Slowly push back your palm with the other hand. Do this slowly and stop if you feel pain. Hold for five seconds, and then release. Continue to do this 10 times, in both directions with both of your hands.
3. Make an “O”: Hands down the most challenging exercise out of the three, but it is very beneficial. Attempt to make an “O” shape with your hand, holding your fingers together while bending your thumb to your index finger. Hold for five seconds, release and repeat 10 times. If you can’t make the full “O” yet, this exercise will improve your flexibility with time.

Arthritis in Your Hips or Knees

1. Sitting stretch: This exercise will gently move your hips while stretching your legs. Sit on the floor (chair or bed) with your legs extended in front of you. Slowly bend forward and reach for your feet. You might not be able to reach far at first, but if you practice this regularly, your flexibility will improve.
2. Step-ups: Relieve knee pain with this exercise – to start, find the nearest staircase with a railing. Hold onto the railing for balance and step one leg onto the bottom step and follow with the other foot. Move backward off the step one leg at a time and repeat.

Arthritis in Your Feet

1. Ankle Circles: For added stability, hold onto something like the side of a chair or railing. Stand up and raise one foot off the floor, point your toe, and draw a circle with your foot by only moving your ankle. Draw five circles and then change direction and draw five more. Repeat these steps for both ankles.

Arthritis in Multiple Areas

1. Swimming reduces the weight on your joints, allowing you to move more extensively with less pain. A water aerobics class is a great option for a full-body workout, while taking it easy on your joints.
2. Yoga or Tai Chi are both gentle exercises that focus on breathing, flexibility, and balance. As you get stronger in these areas, the arthritis pain will lessen.

Stretch and Exercise at UMC at Bristol Glen

You can do the exercises we shared almost anywhere, but your motivation always increases when professional guidance is involved. At UMC at Bristol Glen, we have on-site exercise physiologists and physical therapists that can assist you as you stretch to ensure safety, guidance, and next steps. We understand that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all approach and can modify plans for seniors of all capabilities.

For more information on our Continued Care Retirement Community in Sussex County, or any of our other senior communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities and book your visit today. https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/gentle-exercises-for-seniors-with-arthritis/

How to respond to dementia hallucinations

Your senior parent’s memory loss can affect your entire family, especially if they are experiencing dementia hallucinations. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, meaning the person’s memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills are impaired. Many older adults with dementia will find their daily lives impacted in some way. 

Changes in the brain cause dementia hallucinations and make the person see, hear, feel, or taste things that aren’t actually there. While whatever the person is experiencing isn’t there, it’s important to understand that it feels very real to the person – and responding to a dementia hallucination requires you to accept that notion. In this blog post, one of our senior living teams in NJ will address more helpful tactics to respond to dementia hallucinations. 

Determine if a response is needed. 

When your loved one is having a dementia hallucination, the most important thing you can do is make them feel safe and reassure them that they will be okay. Every hallucination is different – some people see less scary things like friends who aren’t actually there, while others see more disturbing things like giant bugs crawling up the wall. 

You may not feel the need to respond if your senior loved one seems to be having a pleasant hallucination. However, suppose your loved one ise visibly distressed due to what they think is happening. In that case, it is appropriate and helpful to respond by comforting them and attempting to engage them in an activity that will redirect their attention. 

Stay calm and don’t argue or try to convince using logic.

If someone is doing something you feel is illogical, your natural instinct might be to point out that what they’re experiencing isn’t real – even if that means engaging in an argument. Unfortunately, for people experiencing dementia hallucinations, no amount of arguing from other people can convince them otherwise. 

Rather than argue or get frustrated, stay calm and ask your family member to explain what they’re experiencing. Talking things through can help ease their distress, and your gentle presence may reassure them and help calm them down. If they are having trouble finding the words to describe their hallucination, try subtly changing the subject or sitting with them quietly for a while. 

Validate their feelings and provide reassurance.

Dismissing your senior parent might make them even more upset. When someone is experiencing a dementia hallucination, the last thing they want to hear is, “That’s ridiculous, there’s nothing there.” We recommend empathizing with the emotions that they’re feeling in the moment. If they seem scared, for example, you can say, “I know this must be scary for you, but I’m here and everything is going to be okay.” 

While you can’t see what they’re seeing, you can understand their emotions and feelings, and that is what you should respond to. If they’re happy, let them know you’re glad for them and you enjoy seeing them happy. If they’re upset and agitated, validate them by staying by their side. 

If your senior loved one is having dementia hallucinations and you need support, our Tapestries memory care team at UMC is here to help. For more information about our professional memory care programs in NJ, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org 

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/respond-dementia-hallucinations/