Flu Season Is On Its Way – 5 Tips for Helping Seniors Get Prepared

There are so many things to love about the winter season, from hot chocolate and cozy fires to quality time with friends and loved ones over the holidays. But, it does bring some challenges too, especially when it comes to senior health. Here are five tips to help your senior loved one prepare for winter, from our senior home health care services team in New Jersey:

• Get Your Flu Vaccine –  As a person gets older, their immune system becomes weaker, especially if they are dealing with other health conditions. For this reason, the flu can be very dangerous to seniors, even resulting in a fatality. While it’s still early, ensure your loved one gets their flu vaccine. It’s a good idea for everyone who socializes with your loved one to get one, too.
• Prepare for Storms – Snowstorms can leave seniors isolated and bound inside their homes; blackouts may even occur. Make sure they have a well-stocked kitchen (including water and medication), as well as a kit with a flashlight, spare batteries, gloves, and a warm blanket. You can also invest in an emergency response remote that allows your loved one to alert you or emergency services for help. Keep the telephone numbers of your loved ones’ neighbors in your phone. It will enable you to contact them to check in on your loved one if you’re unable to do so.
• Eat Healthily – Good nutrition can be more difficult to manage during the winter months, but it’s critical for maintaining a healthy body and immune system. Assist your loved one by stocking up on frozen portions of homemade soups rich in vegetables, as well as winter fruit and vegetables (berries, citrus, and root vegetables).
• Stay Active – Cold weather is no reason to become a couch potato and shouldn’t stop your loved one from getting healthy exercise! If it’s outdoor exercise, make sure your loved one’s shoes have non-slip tread and that they dress in plenty of layers. It’s also a good idea to encourage outdoor group activities in winter for safety. Many community groups offer year-round activities for seniors, including aqua aerobics and dance classes, so check out your local YMCA and community center.
• Stay Social – In winter, seniors can be especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and isolation, so it’s important to keep an active social calendar. Join up with local seniors in the area who share similar interests in movie nights, a book club, dancing, and musical evenings, be sure to phone or visit more often, and assist with transportation where possible.

Affordable Companionship and Expert Care from Senior Home Health Care Services in NJ

At United Methodist Communities, we offer high-quality senior independent home care at affordable rates, starting as low as $23 per hour, through our HomeWorks program. Our home health aides are fully certified in New Jersey and have extensive senior care training and experience, so please feel free to ask for formal certification and references.

For more information on our in-home respite care services and senior home care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-respite-care-services-nj/.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/flu-season-is-on-its-way-5-tips-for-helping-seniors-get-prepared/

What are ADLs and IADLs?

As with any other industry, senior home health care services have certain jargon we use in our care programs, including the terms ADLs and IADLs. Here is some insight into what these terms mean, from our team.

First, ADLs are Activities for Daily Living – the basic self-care tasks that every adult needs to be able to handle during the course of a normal day. There are 6 ADLs, namely:

• Eating – Feeding yourself and getting adequate nutrition to stay healthy.

• Bathing – Getting in and out of the shower or tub safely, and cleaning yourself properly.

• Dressing – Putting clothes on easily and ensuring that those clothes are appropriate for the weather.

• Toileting – Recognizing urges to go to the bathroom and using the toilet without assistance.

• Mobility – The ability to walk, go up and down stairs, get up from seated positions and getting up out of bed.

• Grooming – Brushing your teeth and maintaining personal hygiene.

IADLs are more complex tasks that support adult independence, and include everything from managing finances, driving safely and managing medication properly to shopping, basic home maintenance and housework.

Why do ADLs and IADLs Matter?

These skills all revolve around being able to live an independent life and the loss of these skills can indicate that assistance is required for someone to live a safe and enjoyable quality of life.

IADLs and ADLs are evaluated by senior care specialists including doctors, social workers and other healthcare practitioners to ensure that seniors get the care they need when they need it, rather than waiting until an emergency situation to intervene. They are also used to evaluate if a senior meets certain criteria for particular services like Medicaid. If you are caring for a senior loved one, it’s important to know these IADLs and ADLs so that you get a clear picture of the kind of assistance they need, and to watch for any deterioration that could indicate health issues. For example, deterioration of IADLS and ADLS is common in early stages of dementia conditions.

Looking for Qualified Aides to Provide At Home Care for Elderly? Our Team Can Help 

At United Methodist Communities, we understand the challenges of providing expert medical care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed one of the leading home health aide agencies and senior care programs in New Jersey.

Through our senior home health care services, trained and highly experienced staff can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

For more information on our seniors home health care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/what-are-adls-and-iadls/

The Best Apps for Seniors

Technology is invaluable when it comes to supporting a high quality of life for seniors, from helping families and loved ones stay in touch to ensuring rapid medical support when needed. Here are some of the best apps for seniors, from our senior home health care services team in NJ.

• Lumosity – This app is packed full of games and activities designed to keep the mind active and thriving. From memory games and puzzles to riddles and more, the app is diverse enough that anyone can find an activity that they enjoy. This mental stimulation is key to staying sharp and fighting disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Pandora – Everyone loves music – it uplifts you, brings back great memories and gets those feet dancing! This app allows you to access the music you love whenever you want, from playlists that follow certain moods (relaxing or inspiring content) to personalized radio stations filled with all your favorites.

• Senior Savings – This app helps track down local discounts and savings, which is ideal for bargain-hunting seniors. It tells you exactly which companies have specials on for seniors, from hotels and restaurants to retail stores.

• Red Panic Button – This app works in the same way as a medical alert necklace – instead of wearing one of those, you can just press a button on your phone to alert emergency services that assistance is needed. It also sends out the current location, so emergency services can easily find someone in need.

• Senior Phone – Smartphone interfaces can be confusing for many seniors who aren’t used to using complex devices, or who have trouble reading or identifying icons close up. It replaces the standard Android interface with a large-text, simplified version, including large buttons for “call” or “text” as well as options for sending an SOS message in an emergency.

• LibriVox – This provides access to over 15,000 free audio books in a wide range of genres all recorded by volunteers. These can be streamed over Wi-Fi or downloaded for listening at a later stage. It’s a great option for seniors who love to read but have started to find it a challenging activity.

• MedWatcher – Medication management can quickly become a challenge for seniors and missing critical medication, taking conflicting medications together or accidentally overdosing is a real risk. This app was developed with the FDA and helps schedule all medications for you and has a comprehensive directory of drug descriptions, uses and side effects.

Senior Home Health Care Services in NJ Promote Well-being, Independence and Quality of Life

At United Methodist Communities in New Jersey, we understand the challenges of providing expert medical care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed our HomeWorks program.

Through this senior independent home care program, trained and certified home health aides can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive senior home health care services. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

For more information on at home care for elderly or to contact fully qualified home health aides in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/the-best-apps-for-seniors/

Making Home a Safer Place for Elderly Parents

One of the leading concerns for family members of elderly parents is that their loved ones will suffer a fall while at home. Although reduced reflexes and becoming less steady while standing are a normal part of aging, it does increase the risk of falls. This poses a very serious issue for seniors, as falls are the number one reason seniors visit the emergency room and the leading cause of hip fractures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

UMC’s trained home health aides can assess the fall risks inside the home and correct as many as they can. They may also develop a list of recommended modifications for the home, if necessary. Here are just a few of the most common precautions on our checklist:

• Get rid of all tripping hazards. Things that may never present a tripping hazard to a young person can easily cause a fall in older adults. Remove all rugs and throw carpets from rooms and passageways, or secure them firmly to the floor with double-sided tape. Remove all clutter from floors and stairways, including stacks of books and magazines, blankets and even decorative items. Make sure all wires and cords are removed from walkways, repositioned and secured against walls.
• Rethink the furniture floor plan. Evaluate the furniture in each room and decide whether it should be repositioned, removed or replaced. Make sure it is positioned to keep primary traffic areas clear and easy to navigate (especially important for wheelchairs, walkers and walking sticks). Cupboards and storage should be easy to access, with everyday items within easy reach and with easy to operate handles. Furniture should sit solidly on the floor and not present a hazard if someone grabs onto it.
• Update the bathroom. Low-profile non-slip mats are ideal for placing over tiles that can become slippery, and should be positioned by the bath, shower, basin, and toilet. Non-slip strips can also be affixed to the inside of the tub itself. Grab-bars can be installed to make getting into and out of the tub easier. Grab-bars, also highly recommended in the shower and by the toilet, can be easily installed by a plumber or handyman. For seniors with more severe mobility issues, a transfer bench and a hand-held shower are important, yet small investments that make bathing a whole lot safer.
• Check the lighting. Aging affects our ability to see at night, so bright lighting throughout the house is essential, especially by stairs, hallways, main bathroom and in the master bedroom. Touch lights are also a great idea if light switches are located outside of easy reach when entering a room, and you can also install automatic nightlights in the hallway to assist your parents if they wake up late at night.
• Ask for help. Even with all these thoughtful changes, there may come a time when your parents simply cannot keep up with their home or self-care on their own. Keep in touch with them about how they are coping and remember that help is always close by. If you want to try a home health aide even for a few hours per week, UMC HomeWorks offers care and services for older adults living at-home, assisting with everything from daily tasks, bathing and cooking, to transport, companionship and health care assistance, all in the comfort of their home.

Setting the Standard for Senior Home Care Services – One of the Leading Home Care Agencies in New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities, one of New Jersey’s leading home care agencies, we strive for quality senior home care services, including in at-home care for the elderly and respite care through HomeWorks. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers with personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, safety and independence. In addition to healthcare and daily homecare, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-respite-care-services-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/making-home-a-safer-place-for-elderly-parents/

4 Signs Caregivers Can Benefit from Senior Home Health Care Services

As a leading senior home health care services provider, we know all the challenges and joys of providing care to the elderly. And while this work is a wonderful opportunity to support seniors and give back, there’s no disguising that it’s a tough job.

For family caregivers, this job can be even tougher because of their close, personal connections with the loved ones in their care. Here are some signs that a caregiver can benefit from professional assistance:

1. Constant exhaustion. Everyone experiences a busy, difficult day on occasion, when nothing seems to go right, and you end the day feeling exhausted — but this shouldn’t be the norm. Trying to balance caregiving, a job, a family, and your own needs is a massive amount of work and can easily lead to burnout. Having the assistance of a home health aide helps make all these tasks more manageable, even if it’s on a respite basis for a few days a week.
2. You have no time for yourself. If you can’t remember the last time you indulged your own interests, you may be taking on too much. Everyone needs time to watch a movie, go out with friends or unwind with a favorite hobby. It’s not being selfish — it’s essential for caregivers, helping you recharge and de-stress so you can go back to your loved one feeling energized, positive and relaxed.
3. You’re ill. Whether you’re overworking yourself, dealing with multiple sources of stress or simply deal with your own health conditions, being ill and repeatedly falling ill clearly show that caregivers need a break. Not only does being ill yourself put your loved one at risk, it can also signal that stress is taking a toll on your physical wellness. Letting a professional step in and take some of the load off your shoulders will provide essential relief.
4. You’re feeling depressed, anxious and stressed. Caregiving is a mentally and emotionally tough role, especially for family caregivers. This can lead to depression, frustration and anxiety about coping with your role. Family caregivers should make the time to attend support groups, speak to a therapist and take care of their own mental wellness to avoid caregiver burnout. A qualified home health aide can step in and take care of as much of the work as you need — letting you focus on spending quality time with your loved one.

Affordable Short and Long-Term Senior Home Health Care Services in New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities, we strive to offer the very best quality senior home health care services through our HomeWorks program. Our team of certified and experienced home health aides are passionate about assisting the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and providing them, their families and caregivers with personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. In addition to medical care and daily home care, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home health care services or to find a qualified home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-respite-care-services-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/4-signs-caregivers-can-benefit-from-senior-home-health-care-services/

4 Caregiving Tips for Celebrating Spring

Spring is all about the promise of life, from the lengthening warmer days to the new growth all around us. It’s a time when we start getting outdoors more to enjoy nature and time with friends and family — and seniors are no exception!
Here are some tips from our senior home healthcare services team on making your springtime more senior-friendly:

1. Get outdoors. An overwhelming number of studies show that physical activity is invaluable in combating health conditions and frailty, and even plays a vital role in staying mentally fit. Spring is the perfect time to resume an old hobby or pick up a new one like birdwatching or nature walking. Just remember to wear some sturdy shoes and start off slow.
2. Prepare for changing weather. Warmer days are ideal for outdoor excursions before the heat of summer sets in, but the weather is very unpredictable this time of year. For senior caregivers, this means checking the weather in detail and planning for every variation by dressing in layers and keeping an umbrella and a sun hat nearby.
3. Bring spring indoors. The sights and smells of spring stimulate and uplift the senses, especially for seniors who may be less mobile. Spring flowers are a great way to do this! Bringing these into the home is a great way to lift spirits. You’ll find a variety available in shops and even fresh from the garden.
4. Take care of allergies. If the senior in your care suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to stock up on over-the-counter medications in advance, as allergens become very concentrated in the spring. Check with your loved one’s doctor to confirm these medications won’t cause averse interactions with others in use. Another approach is to tackle the spring cleaning to clear out dust and other allergens that tend to gather in the winter. Have HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) filters cleaned out and check for mold growth in cupboards and other damp areas of the home.

At Home Care for the Elderly to Support Seniors, Caregivers and Families in NJ 

As part of United Methodist Communities, a nonprofit organization, we offer at home care for older adults through trained, experienced nursing and health aide staff to help your loved one. As one of the leading home health aide agencies in New Jersey, our respite care and senior homecare services cover everything from companionship and help around the home to 24-hour live-in care, depending on exactly what you and your loved one requires. Our services are scalable and by-the-hour, allowing you to develop a custom care plan.

For more information on respite care and our home health services offering, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/Home-Heath-Aid-services

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/4-caregiving-tips-for-celebrating-spring/

5 Essential Qualities to Look for When Hiring a Senior Home Healthcare Aide

Finding and interviewing caregivers to care for an elderly loved one can be a challenging experience. Many people are unsure of a what to look for in a home health aide, whether the costs are justified, or even if their loved one will work well with the new caregiver. On top of that, it’s often a very emotional and stressful time.

Here are some qualities to look for in your candidates that will get your hiring process off to a great start, from our senior home health care services team in NJ:

1. This doesn’t just mean how long they’ve worked in the industry. Different caregivers specialize in varied areas, and you want to make sure that they can handle their new position. They should have knowledge, skills and experience to manage your loved one’s unique situation, whether it’s a health condition, if they need post-operative care, or specific help around the home.
2. Your candidate should have successfully undergone the training and certifications required for the position under your state guidelines as a minimum requirement for the job. It’s a great sign if your candidate has continued their training above this level to gain additional skills – especially if they are something your loved one may need in future.
3. The get-along factor. Your loved one and the caregiver will be spending a lot of time together and it’s very important that they are a good fit for each other. Your loved one needs to be able to trust the caregiver and build a healthy relationship. Look out for candidates that are nurturing, as well as professional and show an interest in your loved one not just as a patient, but as a person.
4. Strong communication skills. You and your family need to rely on the caregiver to keep in touch with you about any changes in condition or care plan, as well as assist with managing doctors’ appointments if needed. Strong communication skills will give you essential peace of mind.
5. Supportive and encouraging. Great caregivers see their position as more than a job — they really get invested and interested in their assignment. A motivated and compassionate caregiver ensures a high care standard and helps keep your loved one as active and independent as possible.

Qualified, Dedicated Caregivers for the Best At Home Care for the Elderly in NJ 

United Methodist Communities’ HomeWorks, one of the state’s leading home health aide agencies, strives to offer the very best home health aide services in New Jersey. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information on our in-home health care agency or our residential in-home respite care in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/5-essential-qualities-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-senior-home-healthcare-aide/

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers!

2018 is here and January is the perfect time to evaluate our lives, address challenges and move forward with positivity. For caregivers, this is an especially important time, so our in-home respite care services team has put some New Year’s resolutions together just for you:

1. Ask for help when it’s needed. No matter how prepared, life gets in the way and throws all kinds of curveballs in our direction. Whatever the challenge, as a caregiver it isn’t your job to face it alone. Whether you need a family member to step in when you have a commitment to meet for your child or career, or you need a skilled nurse to deliver respite care services to help your loved one heal, finding the right help when you need it is an important part of being a great caregiver.
2. Take time for yourself. Despite meeting the challengers of caregiving, even the best caregivers can find themselves burning out if they don’t take some time off. This doesn’t mean time off for other commitments — it means time off for just you. It will leave you feeling de-stressed, relaxed and refreshed, so upon your return, you can deliver the best quality of care.
3. Look after your health and happiness. Staying healthy and putting your wellbeing first might sound selfish, but the reality is that it’s best for everyone – especially you. Caregivers need to be mentally and physically healthy to take on this demanding position, so it’s important not to neglect yourself.
4. Don’t take on everything. Even if you are the primary caregiver for a loved one, it’s important that other family members pitch in and do their share. Caregiving is best when it’s done by a team! This can be as simple as doing the grocery shopping, fixing things around the house, providing transportation, or even companionship. If family members live too far away, financial contributions can be a big help, and you could hire home health aide services to help carry out the responsibilities.
5. Join a support group. Only people in similar positions can understand what it’s like to be a caregiver. They can offer invaluable support when you are going through a difficult time or are up against new challenges. It’s also a great way to share your expertise with others who are new to family caregiving, and help make their journey a little smoother.

In-home respite care services – Whenever you need a compassionate helping hand 

Whether you need residential in home respite care in NJ or need someone qualified and experienced to assist your loved one on a more permanent basis, we are here to help through our HomeWorks program. Our staff are fully certified in New Jersey and have extensive senior care training and experience, so please feel free to ask for formal certification and references.

For more information on our home care aide services in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/5-new-years-resolutions-caregivers/

Special Home Caregiving Services for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients

An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is a challenge to deal with for the patient and loved ones. As the disease progresses, patients will require different levels of care and support to stay healthy, comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life. Our senior home care services team can provide some insight into the care and companion services for your loved one.

Types of at home care 

A common misunderstanding about at home care is that it is limited to medical care, but actually, there are a few different types of care designed to provide assistance wherever it’s needed. These include:

• Companion services. A home health aide supervises certain activities – like recreation, grocery shopping, social visits and more. These are great for seniors who need help with transport, remembering appointments, and so forth.
• Homemaker services. Going one step further, these help your loved one manage their household. This is ideal for seniors who are more frail, recovering from an illness/surgery, or struggling with their memory. It covers daily household chores, meal prep and cooking, and generally managing the home.
• Personal care services. This covers assistance with bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, exercising, and other activities.
• Skilled nursing care. These focus on your loved one’s medical needs, including wound care, medication management and so forth.

Certified home health aide services are tailored to your loved one’s needs 

When it comes to these services, many seniors require some of one and a little of another, so it’s important to find a provider who can tailor services to fit individual requirements. Because Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive diseases with specific symptoms, your experienced aide will not only be able to cope with the challenges your loved one faces, but also play an active role in their care. This means proposing and performing therapies to assist your loved one, keeping in contact with family members, and offering recommendations when your loved one’s care requirements change.

Compassionate care from experienced home health aide services in New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities in New Jersey, we understand the challenges of providing expert care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed our HomeWorks program.

Through this program, trained and highly experienced staff can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

In addition to helping with daily tasks, transport and personal hygiene, our senior home care services team can assist with nursing, medication management and much more. For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, we can develop specific care routines that ensure a sense of structure and help reduce stress and anxiety.

For more information on our in-home care for elderly, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/special-home-caregiving-services-alzheimers-dementia-patients/

Be Aware and Save Lives: Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms

When it comes to strokes, every second counts towards preventing permanent damage and saving lives. Here’s what you need to know from our senior home health care services team about this medical condition in order to act quickly.

F-A-S-T – The easy way to recognize stroke symptoms 

The four letters F-A-S-T, spells out the symptoms of a stroke and are key to saving lives. Here’s what they mean:

F = FACE DROOPING. Watch for one side of the face starting to droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile to check for unevenness.

A = ARM WEAKNESS. One arm feeling weaker or numb. To test, ask the person to raise their arms up in front of them and see if their one arm drifts down or has difficulty responding.

S = SLURRED SPEECH. Difficulty speaking and articulating words. Test the person by asking them to repeat a short sentence like, “The grass is green.”

T = TIME. If someone shows one or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to call 9-1-1. This is vital even if you are unsure or if the symptoms seem to be going away, as time is absolutely vital for effective medical treatment.

Additional symptoms may include vision trouble, sudden dizziness or trouble walking, severe headache or numbness on one side of the body.


What is a stroke? 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This prevents vital organs, like the brain, from getting needed oxygen and nutrients and very quickly results in damage to the organ. This is a very serious event, as the affected part of the brain may never fully recover from the damage and, if the stroke is severe enough or not treated quickly enough, the patient may die.

In fact, strokes are the fifth most common cause of death in the USA, killing around 140,000 Americans each year. Because many of these deaths and stroke-related injuries can be prevented if patients are treated as quickly as possible, knowing the FAST checklist is so essential.

Stroke risk factors 

While a stroke can happen to anyone, these risk factors make a stroke more likely:

• African-Americans are twice as likely as whites to have a first stroke, and have the highest mortality rate.
• Younger age groups are increasingly at risk of stroke, but the highest age group at risk are people over 65.
• Women are more likely to have a stroke than men.
• Health conditions and lifestyle. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, low physical activity, and heart disease all increase stroke risks.

Expert, compassionate at home care for the elderly in NJ 

At United Methodist Communities, one of New Jersey’s leading home health aide servicesorganization, we strive to offer the very best quality senior homecare options, from assisted living to in-homecare through our HomeWorks program. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers, personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. In addition to daily home care, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home health care services or to find a qualified home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website athttps://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/aware-save-lives-stroke-warning-signs-symptoms/

How to Help Elderly Loved Ones Get Ready for Winter

New Jersey winters can be harsh, and even more so for the elderly in our communities. Here are some quick tips from our home health aide services specialists to ensure your loved one will be warm and safe even in the coldest months.

Here’s what home help services for the elderly recommend: 

• Schedule heating system service from a qualified local contractor in advance of your anticipated need. They will start to get busy from October onwards, so the sooner you call them, the better.
• Make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. There should be one per room, especially where there is a gas appliance or heater.
• Place a container with a mixture of salt and sand by exterior doors, so that it can be sprinkled onto icy steps and paving, if needed.
• Fit a grab rail or some kind of hand support by outdoor stairs and paving to help prevent falls.
• Stock up on cold and flu medications and take your loved one to their doctor for their annual flu vaccine.
• Keep a record of prescription medications and collect them early if bad weather is about to set in.
• Place flashlights with full batteries in a handy place in each room in case of power outages. It’s also a good idea to invest in an external battery charger for a cell phone or tablet.
• Stock the freezer with nutritious, ready-made meals so that your loved one can stay home easily in the event of a storm or bad weather.
• Make a plan with a local service provider, friend or family member to clear driveways, sidewalks and paths so they are free of snow.

• If your loved one is still driving, pack an emergency kit for the car in case of a breakdown. Include food, water, a flashlight with spare batteries, first aid kit, warm jacket or blanket, and insist that they drive with a charged cell phone at all times. It’s important to minimize time on the road during winter because of the additional hazards, so it’s best to arrange transport and take on shopping and chores whenever possible.

Home help services for the elderly in NJ, whatever the season! 

At United Methodist Communities, we strive to offer the very best home health aide services in New Jersey through our HomeWorks program. This program is about assisting the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and providing them, their families and caregivers with personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information on our in-home healthcare agency or our residential in home respite care in NJ, please contact us today and visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/help-elderly-loved-ones-get-ready-winter/

When to Consider In-Home Care Services

In-home care services  provide seniors with compassionate, skilled assistance on a temporary or permanent basis. Here are some tips from senior home care specialists in New Jersey on evaluating if your loved one will benefit from these services.

Evaluate your loved one’s care needs 

It’s always difficult for families to accept that an elderly loved one is starting to struggle with their health and day-to-day living, but at the same time it’s important to put their quality of life first. Here are some signs to look for that indicate the senior in your life may need a helping hand:

• More regular or more severe falls.
• Unusual weight loss.
• Unwillingness to prepare meals, old or expired food in their home, burned pots and pans, etc.
• Increased car accidents or unwillingness to drive.
• Home becoming much more cluttered and unclean.
• Loss of interest in activities that used to be eagerly anticipated
• Withdrawal from socializing with friends and family.
• Bills, paperwork, etc. piling up and being neglected.
• Increasing forgetfulness and confusion, including forgetting to take medication, appointments and social engagements.

Home health agencies offer flexible, affordable care 

The main advantage of senior home care services like HomeWorks, which is offered by United Methodist Communities of New Jersey, is that you can get your loved one exactly the amount of care they require without having to move. You can even set the hours that your caregiver will work, making it easier for family caregivers to manage their own lives and careers while still supporting their elderly loved ones.

Caregivers are assigned according to your loved one’s needs and can take care of housekeeping and meal preparation, in addition to skilled nursing assistance and Alzheimer’s care. In addition to medical care and in-home respite services, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our in-home care services or to get a home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/consider-home-care-services/

Choosing Between Senior Independent Home Care and Assisted Living

When the time comes that your elderly loved one can no longer live independently, or you can no longer manage their care on your own, it’s time to talk about different professional senior independent home care options. Fortunately, there are some very high quality solutions, including in-home senior care and assisted living. So, what are the benefits of these options and how do you find the one best suited to your loved one’s needs?

• Moving out of home: Unlike assisted living, senior home care services don’t require your loved one to move out of their home, which can be stressful. Often, moving into an assisted living facility is a good choice if it means moving closer to family and into a senior-friendly space. However, if their current home is convenient for you and can be modified to meet their needs, in-home care is a great choice.
• Quality of care: When choosing an assisted living facility, you should visit the community, speak to the various teams and get an understanding of daily life there. In-home care means that the professionals come to you, which can be more difficult to evaluate. For your peace-of-mind, we recommend that you visit with the in-home care team and find out their experience and qualifications, scope of services and how they will work in your loved one’s home. Some organizations, like United Methodist Communities, offer both – giving you a chance to evaluate each option thoroughly.
• Flexibility of care: This is vital in both assisted living and in-home care options, as it scales according to your loved one’s needs as well as yours (if you are a family caregiver). As this can differ between organizations, it’s best to address this with each service provider. At United Methodist Communities (UMC), we believe that continuity and structure is important, so our team of in-home care specialists work with you to develop a custom treatment and assistance plan that meets all your loved one’s needs, even as they change.
• Companionship: In assisted living, residents benefit from the companionship of other seniors as well as the staff, while senior home care services provide a more one-to-one form of companionship with caregivers. The preferred option depends upon your situation, as each offers considerable benefits. In addition to companionship and healthcare, UMC also offers pastoral care for seniors who want it. Spiritual support is part of our commitment to meet our clients’ needs in holistic and compassionate ways.

Speak to us about senior home care services in New Jersey

United Methodist Communities strives to offer the very best quality senior care options, from assisted living to in-home care through our HomeWorks program. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information on our senior independent home care services, please contact us today.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/choosing-senior-independent-home-care-assisted-living/

When is the right time to look for at-home care for the elderly?

Senior home health care services are a great option for elderly loved ones who still live independently, but are starting to need help for basic, day-to-day tasks. Here are some indicators that your loved one can benefit from in-home assistance from New Jersey’s specialists in home care for the elderly.

1. Trouble driving: The ability to drive safely is an important part of being independent, but may deteriorate as we age. If your loved one is no longer feeling confident behind the wheel, anxious about driving or has had a minor accident, they may benefit from an in-home care service that takes care of their transportation needs.
2. Home maintenance: If your previously house-proud parents are now letting home cleaning and maintenance issues get out of control, in-home care might be a good idea. This lack of daily cleaning and maintenance may mean that your parents just aren’t able to keep up with the constant demands of their home. With some assistance, they can continue to enjoy their home, while also removing potential safety and health hazards.
3. Loss of weight and poor hygiene: Caring for ourselves becomes more difficult as we age and this often includes bathing, traveling to the supermarket, cooking and cleaning. If you’re noticing that your elderly loved one is experiencing unusual weight loss or poor hygiene, in-home care offers a great option. These services prioritize your loved one’s health and comfort and avoid the stress of moving.
4. Confusion and forgetfulness: Everyone forgets things sometimes, but if you’re noticing this more frequently, it could be a good time to talk about getting in-home care. As possible symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s important to consult a physician for a proper medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Your in-home care assistant can then help with daily tasks, medication management, transport and more.
5. Depression, anxiety and mood swings: Unusual changes in mood or high levels of stress can signal that your loved one isn’t coping at home. This can be a very difficult reality for anyone to deal with, but it’s important to recognize, seek and implement a solution that suits your loved one. Often, seniors feel anxious about their inability to cope and possibly giving up their homes and their independence. In-home care can be the right choice.

Compassionate, expert senior health care services in the comfort of home

United Methodist Communities in New Jersey understands the challenges of providing care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed our HomeWorks program.

Through this program, trained and experienced staff assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in-home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

In addition to assistance with daily tasks, transportation and personal hygiene, our team can give support with nursing, medication management and much more. For dementia and Alzheimer’s clients, we can develop specific care routines to ensure a sense of structure and help reduce stress and anxiety.

For more information on our in-home care for the elderly, please contact us today.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/right-time-look-home-care-elderly/