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Companion Care: Don’t Miss This Key Benefit!

2025-03-03T17:06:34-05:00

Tom, in his late 70s, was in reasonably good health, though his diabetes had caused eye problems and neuropathy in his feet. Not long after moving into a senior community, Tom fell and broke his ankle. With a motorized scooter, Tom was able to still get around. While initially a blessing, the scooter became a crutch, as Tom preferred its ease and became increasingly sedentary. Tom hired a caregiver, Danny, to help with laundry, cleaning, and changing the bed sheets. Beyond the caregiving tasks, Tom looked forward to his caregiver visits and the two became fast friends. Noticing Tom’s increasing apathy [...]

Companion Care: Don’t Miss This Key Benefit!2025-03-03T17:06:34-05:00

“Friends Postpone Death”

2024-10-30T08:50:39-04:00

"Friends Postpone Death." That was Phil Agnew’s startling summary of several studies reporting the positive impact of relationships on our health. One study involved people over the age of 70. It found that “people with the strongest network of friends were 22% less likely to die during the study period of 10 years than those with the weakest network of friends.” Supporting friendships is an important elder care goal! Phil Agnew is a behavioral scientist who has a weekly podcast, Nudge. In a recent episode, Agnew talked with Marc Schulz, co-author of The Good Life. Schulz said, “Relationships keep us happier [...]

“Friends Postpone Death”2024-10-30T08:50:39-04:00

Caregiving Spouses: The Dilemma of Going it Alone

2024-10-25T12:47:42-04:00

Are you a caregiving spouse? Or does that describe one of your parents or grandparents? Have you considered caregiving’s physical, emotional, and financial impacts, and how it might affect relationships? Sharon reached out to us about giving her husband a break from his duties in taking care of her. A meeting was scheduled, but when we arrived, her husband turned us away at the door. Later, when we spoke with Sharon, she explained her husband was resisting the idea of another caregiver. He felt he could do it all. Hesitation in bringing in additional care can come from either spouse. It [...]

Caregiving Spouses: The Dilemma of Going it Alone2024-10-25T12:47:42-04:00

Backed By Science: The Surprising Healing Power Of Words

2024-10-10T09:54:37-04:00

Want to know how you can improve your health without doctors or meds? Read on! It had been almost a year since Scott had seen his mom, Shirley. Last Thanksgiving had been sobering, as his mom’s well-being had noticeably declined. She seemed “down” and preoccupied with her aches and pains. To Scott’s surprise, this time he found his mom to be happier, more energetic, and dare he think, vibrant. What had changed? When they were alone, Scott brought it up. “Mom, you look so good! Did your doctors adjust your prescriptions?” Rather than answering him directly, Shirley got up, went to [...]

Backed By Science: The Surprising Healing Power Of Words2024-10-10T09:54:37-04:00

Caregiving’s Impact on Mental Health

2024-09-28T11:34:13-04:00

For both individuals needing some assistance and their caregivers, it's essential to recognize caregiving’s impact on mental health. Here are signs that you may be experiencing mental health challenges, the difference a caregiver can make, and how having a respite caregiver benefits family caregivers. For Those Needing Care Dealing with illness, disability, or the effects of aging can make it easy to become consumed by the challenges of daily life. The need for assistance, physical limitations, and potential loss of independence can also take a toll on mental health. Common Mental Health Challenges Among the Elderly and Disabled and the Difference [...]

Caregiving’s Impact on Mental Health2024-09-28T11:34:13-04:00

Senior Care: Sorting Out Your Options & Combining Care Approaches

2024-09-12T10:02:26-04:00

As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive proper care becomes a top priority. However, navigating the world of senior care options can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of some common senior care options along with their pros and cons. Then - something you may not have considered - combining approaches for the best results! In-Home Care “92% of older adults surveyed prefer to live out their later years in their current home,” as reported by Forbes in Aging In Place Statistics And Facts In 2024. In-home care helps ensure safety while providing the companionship, support, independence and peace of mind [...]

Senior Care: Sorting Out Your Options & Combining Care Approaches2024-09-12T10:02:26-04:00

Finding the Right In-Home Care Provider

2024-08-28T14:42:29-04:00

You (or your loved one) want to remain in your home, but due to aging or disability, may not be able to continue to do so safely on your own. Arranging in-home care is your best solution. Explore insider advice and tips for finding the right in-home care provider for your specific situation. Understanding Your Needs Even before you begin researching providers, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the care you need and want. Consider the following: Level of care: Are you seeking assistance with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, cleaning, laundry, companionship, and occasional transportation? Or do [...]

Finding the Right In-Home Care Provider2024-08-28T14:42:29-04:00

How This Year’s Storms Revealed Home Care Best Practices

2024-08-14T20:37:47-04:00

By Paul Foresman Like many of Sunlight’s clients and staff, my home was hit pretty hard during this storm season. Roof, gutters, deck and fence damage topped the list. With extensive damage throughout the metro area, quality contractors were in short supply. So when our roofer said they could arrange for all of our other needed repairs and submit everything to our insurance on our behalf, that sounded great. Little did I realize how the deck repairs would bring home care best practices clearly into focus! One hailstorm lasted nearly 15 minutes causing considerable deck damage The roof and [...]

How This Year’s Storms Revealed Home Care Best Practices2024-08-14T20:37:47-04:00

Successful Rehab Discharge Planning – How Patients and Families Can Work Effectively With Discharge Planners

2024-07-19T09:39:01-04:00

First, there’s the hospital stay. Then it can be weeks of rehab. You’re grateful for your wonderful team of therapists and care professionals and for the progress you’ve made. But you long to go home and get your life back! Successful rehab discharge planning is the key. Your Discharge Planner will work with you, your family, and your care team to create a safe and effective discharge plan, essential for your continued recovery and well-being. Failing to follow the discharge plan can land you right back in the hospital. Jen Wolf-Wubbels from Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, [...]

Successful Rehab Discharge Planning – How Patients and Families Can Work Effectively With Discharge Planners2024-07-19T09:39:01-04:00

9 Ways of Paying For In-Home Care

2024-07-12T21:10:53-04:00

Receiving non-medical home care can be both effective and considerably less expensive than other care options. Still, it can be challenging for seniors and their families who may already be dealing with emotional and financial stress. Here are nine ways to pay for care without compromising your peace of mind: Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care insurance helps policyholders pay for long-term care needs, typically due to a chronic illness, disability, injury, or the general effects of aging. Interestingly, half of all long-term Care Insurance policies are never used! (source: American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance) Policies and coverages vary, and can [...]

9 Ways of Paying For In-Home Care2024-07-12T21:10:53-04:00
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