Celebrate 4th of July with Rivers of Hope

It’s already July, which means this 4th of July weekend will be filled with fun, family, and fireworks. But Independence Day might be a little bittersweet for elderly people who have trouble living independently. Age-related challenges can make it difficult for many seniors, particularly those who need in-home care, to completely enjoy the holiday.

Our commitment to our customers’ happiness and our love for this magnificent country go hand in hand. No matter their age or any challenges that come with their senior years, we think all Americans should be able to fully enjoy the Fourth of July. Every July, our caregivers assist in making our Rivers of Hopes clients holidays more enjoyable. We would be honored to assist you in providing the same care for an older family member.

Beat the Independence Day Heat

Nothing says America quite like a backyard 4th of July celebration with close friends and family, cold sodas and hot dogs fresh from the grill, warm summer sun, and red, white, and blue fireworks. However, like with any summertime outdoor event, heat and sun exposure can mount up, especially for elderly people and anyone receiving home care from their loved ones.

Every time you host an outdoor summer party, make sure your elderly loved ones are well-shaded and well-hydrated. Also, make sure they have access to a nice, air-conditioned space where they may relax and cool off.

Make Seniors Comfortable

It’s crucial that senior family members feel at ease if you’re organizing an outdoor celebration. After all, if they don’t have the opportunity to rest and relax a little bit, even the healthiest seniors can experience joint pain or tiredness.

A sturdy, high-quality movable chair can be a godsend for seniors, particularly for those who need in-home care due to physical age-related challenges. “Be sure to have your loved one test his or her chair in advance for comfort and to keep it available for them throughout the event.”

Rivers of Hope 4th of July Activities

Some elderly people simply don’t have the stamina or energy to enjoy a lengthy Fourth of July gathering outside. Others might not feel at ease in a busy, active, and unsettling environment, such as individuals who need home care for memory impairments.

Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at +1 (508) 857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com

HISTORY OF DAFFODIL DAY

Daffodil Days, which are normally conducted in March, use this cheerful symbol to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Every year, cancer claims the lives of almost 600,000 Americans and affects countless others. The daffodil has been a symbol of optimism and endurance in the face of cancer since the 1950s. The vibrant blossom symbolizes the dedication of researchers and doctors seeking to find a cure for cancer and enhance treatment for all types of cancer. Cancer research groups all throughout the world have adopted the daffodil as an emblem of hope and tenacity in the face of disease, beginning with the Canadian Cancer Society.

HISTORY OF DAFFODIL DAY

Cancer is a term used to describe a group of disorders in which the body’s cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing damage to surrounding tissue. Cancer can strike at any time and in practically any part of the body. Growths, or tumors, are formed when cells continue to multiply without ceasing. Malignant tumors, which spread throughout the body, are dangerous because they interfere with organ functions. Nearly four out of every ten people will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives, therefore everyone should be informed of the risks and preventive methods.

Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us.

Homecare in Boston MA: Senior With New Pet

Should a Senior get a New Pet?

There’s a lot of talk lately about how beneficial dogs, cats, birds or fish can be for seniors. It’s with good reason — scientists have shown convincing evidence for the case. The list of ways pets have been scientifically proven to benefit older adults goes on and on. Just a few of the effects of pet ownership include:

  • Better cardiovascular health
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved social interaction
  • Increased activity
  • Decreased loneliness

While pet ownership is good for seniors’ health, welcoming a new pet into the home is not a decision that should be made without consideration. It is important to select the right animal to fit with the personality, needs and overall situation of the senior. Be sure to look at all the angles fully in order to set up the person, and the pet, for a successful experience.

 

Homecare in Boston MA: Senior With New Pet
Homecare in Boston MA: Senior With New Pet

 

Fall Risk

While keeping active by walking a dog once or twice a day may decrease a senior’s likelihood for falling, trying to walk a large, rambunctious dog will probably not be safe.

Will the dog or cat toys, food dishes present clutter that will be easy to stumble over? Will the animal itself be prone to zipping through the house, getting underfoot, or otherwise creating a danger for tripping?

For some seniors, a smaller, calmer dog or cat will be a better match than a very young, energetic one.

 

Life span

While none of us know what the future has in store, it is worth considering the animal’s expected life span and then making the best guess as to whether the senior is prepared to commit to that number of years.

Rescuing an adult animal from a shelter can be an excellent way to give a good home to a great companion.

 

Plan Ahead

Be sure to have a plan in place to care for the animal in case of an unexpected hospitalization. Also give some thought as to who can help take care of the pet’s daily needs, or provide transportation to the vet or groomer, if the senior should end up needing more assistance in the future.

 

Elder Care can Help with Pet Care

Luckily, professional elder care services are well equipped to help seniors take care of their furry and feathered friends. Elder care aides come into a senior’s home to provide assistance with the various challenges of aging. They can help out with most responsibilities of pet ownership to allow the senior to reap the benefits.

Elder care aides can clean a cat box. They can walk a dog. They can actually walk with the dog and the senior together, or walk the dog alone, on the senior’s behalf. They can shop for pet food and transport pets to appointments — again with or without the senior. They can feed and water pets, clean bird cages. They may even be able to stop in to take care of the pet if the senior is unexpectedly spending a few days in the hospital.

Talk with the elder care agency to find out exactly how they can help in your senior’s specific situation. Elder care services specialize in accommodating particular needs and preferences, and they are amazingly able and willing to customize their services accordingly.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Bridgewater, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com

 

Source

https://www.psychologytoday.com/

Home Health Care in Boston MA: Self Isolating Tips

How Can You Help Your Elderly Loved One to Avoid Self-Isolation

The coronavirus has many people isolating themselves. Just because there is a stay-at-home order or social distancing guidelines in effect, that doesn’t mean that people need to isolate. In fact, isolating oneself can lead to depression and worsened health issues. If you want to help your elderly loved one avoid self-isolation during these times, there are some ways to do that.

 

Home Health Care in Boston MA: Self Isolating Tips
Home Health Care in Boston MA: Self Isolating Tips

Face-to-Face

People need face-to-face contact. While you may be able to go see your elderly loved one, as long as you are staying 6 feet away from one another, that may not be enough for them. If this is the case, it might be helpful to hire caregivers to go take care of and visit with your elderly loved one. This type of contact can help them to stay healthier and feel less lonely. If there is nobody to be at your elderly loved one’s home, it is important to keep in touch through video calls.

Do Things That Mean Something

If you want your elderly loved one to avoid self-isolation, it is important that you do things for and with them that means something. For instance, you could pick up their favorite foods from the grocery store and drop them off at their house. Even if you can’t go in, you could leave the groceries on their front porch. You could also talk to them on the phone regularly or play a game with them online. Think of things that would mean something to your elderly loved one and do those things.

Spending Time with a Pet

Since people are being encouraged to stay at home, you may want to consider getting your elderly loved one a pet. While this isn’t quite the same as spending time with family members and friends, a pet can show your elderly loved one unconditional love. A pet will give them someone to talk to, hang out with, and play with. Pets can help to keep your elderly loved one occupied while being stuck at home.

Talking to People Who Are Struggling

Another way for your elderly loved one to avoid self-isolation is by talking to people who are struggling. This can help your elderly loved one to feel needed and helpful. These can both be great feelings during this pandemic. Your elderly loved one can volunteer for a phone hotline. This is something they might be able to do from home.

These are some of the ways that your elderly loved one can avoid self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic. Encourage them to do some or all of these things to help them feel more needed and less lonely during these times.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Boston, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com

Sources
Cdc.gov
Aarp.org