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Top 10 tips for choosing a home caregiver for seniors
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Top 10 tips for choosing a home caregiver for seniors

Finding the best home caregiver for aging parents or other family members is an essential step to ensuring they get the proper care when needed. That said, picking the ideal caregiver can be a challenging task, especially because one has to grow to trust the professional and also keep other factors like cost in mind. Here are a few tips to help one choose a caregiver who fits one’s requirements and criteria. 1. Define the needs Before selecting a home care agency or caregiver, one needs to understand the patient’s needs. Getting to know their requirements better can make the selection process for a caregiver much easier. Those looking to hire a professional caregiver should consider factors like the degree of required care and specific health conditions. Doing so can address several issues, including mobility limitations, cultural differences like language barriers, healthcare management, and food restrictions. The more detailed the understanding, the better one can communicate the needs with the concerned agency or professional. 2. Write down the job description Once individuals know what they look for in a caregiver, they should prepare or write down a job description. This document should include whether one is looking for someone with healthcare training and the type, a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, or a certified nursing assistant. Other factors to consider include whether the professional will require a car and a valid driver’s license and if they are expected to accompany the patient to appointments or errands. Other things that need to be listed in the job description include whether the caregiver needs to use special equipment or will need to physically assist the patient. 3. Check out home care agencies in the area After determining the patient’s needs, one should start looking up and reading about home care agencies in their local area.
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7 common mistakes to avoid when finding senior living apartments
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7 common mistakes to avoid when finding senior living apartments

Finding the right apartment for seniors is crucial because it directly impacts their quality of life. When a loved one moves to an independent living community, an assisted living facility, or a retirement community, it can be emotionally overwhelming for them as well as the other family members. Avoiding the following mistakes when finding senior living apartments can ensure the transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible for everyone. Not researching the types of apartments Every state has different types of senior living facilities and apartments. For instance, one may come across endowment homes, CCRCs (Continued Care Retirement Communities), assisted living facilities, and independent living arrangements. Since each has unique features, costs, services, and amenities, one must research their options thoroughly. Different types of living facilities will suit different requirements. One must choose a senior living apartment that cares for seniors’ mobility needs and health issues. The residents should also have the necessary amenities so they can pursue their hobbies. Being unaware of the various types of senior living communities may cause one to make a wrong decision, leading to unnecessary hassle later. Ignoring the senior’s future needs A senior’s requirements may change as time passes. They may require more support, care, and health facilities a few years later. This means the current senior living apartment may not be suitable for them. As a result, they would have to move to another arrangement, causing emotional and physical distress. To avoid this problem, one should consider the senior’s present and future requirements while looking for an apartment for them. A doctor or health professional can help assess the future needs of the senior based on their health and pre-existing illnesses. One should ensure the community can take care of these evolving needs. Doing so will eliminate the hassle of moving to a new facility later.
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7 common senior care mistakes to avoid
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7 common senior care mistakes to avoid

Taking care of an older person can be emotionally rewarding. Caregivers must put in a lot of hard work and help the senior with personal hygiene, dressing, food preparation, moving around, traveling, cleaning, and other tasks. However, one finds joy while doing so. That said, individuals must be careful when providing elderly home care and help services. The seven mistakes listed here can sour the experience for oneself and the senior citizen. Treating senior citizens like children Older adults are generally warm and fuzzy. Their willingness to speak to caregivers gives them a friendly and childlike aura. However, that does not mean one must treat them like children. Some caregivers take full responsibility for even the tiny tasks that the senior might be able to do without help. In the process, they reduce their feeling of independence, which can be a big mistake. Some seniors may be okay with this, but most will find it overbearing. Ideally, one must encourage seniors to make as many choices independently as possible. For example, one should let them pick the clothes they want to wear and the food they want to relish. There’s no harm if they make their own decisions as long as they are safe and healthy. Of course, caregivers should intervene now and then. However, offering seniors as much choice and independence as possible is essential to making them feel liberated and happy. Not resting well Caregivers are human, too! Although they may be qualified for the job and have a lot of experience and skills, they can get physically and emotionally exhausted. So, one must rest well and avoid overworking. An individual can take short breaks or time off to relax and come back refreshed. It could be a vacation once every two or three months, spending the weekend with loved ones, or taking breaks in any other way the caregiver feels fit.
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How to choose walk-in showers for seniors and those with disabilities
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How to choose walk-in showers for seniors and those with disabilities

In a regular shower system, especially one that comes with a tub, one has to climb over the side wall to get into it. This feature can cause significant difficulties for seniors with disabilities. On the other hand, walk-in tubs and showers can help them enter and exit easily, as they are designed for the convenience and safety of seniors and the disabled . People using wheelchairs can also use walk-in tubs and showers without assistance. How a walk-in bathtub and showers work A walk-in tub/shower has a well-sealed door that can be opened inward or outward. One can enter the tub, rest on the seat, fill the tub with water at the right temperature, and have a good bath. Once  one has  bathed, one can drain the water, open the door, and leave. The bathtub also comes with a shower system for those who don’t wish to run a bath. The tubs are fitted with comfortable handles and non-slip floors that eliminate the risk of falls and slips for seniors and  the disabled . Walk-in tubs comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards (ADA). Features of walk-in tubs and shower systems for seniors and those with disabilities Since the main feature of the walk-in tubs and showers is to give security and confidence to elders and people with disabilities, it is built with many safety and comfort features. 1. General features Here are a few essential safety features and optional luxury features to check out in walk-in bathtubs: The low step-in threshold or no threshold feature aids in easy entry for seniors and wheelchairs. They come with watertight doors with tight seals, requiring minimal strength to open inward or outward. They have built-in, height-adjustable chairs for stability and safety. They come with non-skid surfaces, like textured flooring, to prevent slipping while entering or leaving the tub.
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8 signs it might be time for assisted living
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8 signs it might be time for assisted living

A s one grows older, one  might start to  notice certain challenges  when it comes to  mobility and cognitive functions.   So, while one might be capable of doing things on their own initially, they might  eventually  require additional care and support for multiple things from a professional or an assisted living community.   Several telltale signs can help caregivers identify if a senior may benefit from an assisted living community. 1. Deteriorating health A chronic health condition that keeps getting worse by the day is a common indicator that one might require additional care. While one might try to handle their loved one’s condition independently, some might require professional care. If this is the case, one should partner with a team of trained members dedicated to the well-being of such situations, such as by moving the senior to an assisted living facility. 2. Changes in hygiene A senior might be living with a health condition but still manage to take care of basic hygiene. However, deteriorating health and mobility issues might cause them to stop caring for themselves. One might notice changes in one’s hygiene, such as greasy, unkempt hair, body odor, or dirty fingernails that are too long, broken, or jagged. Poor hygiene could result from self-neglect, defined as the person’s inability due to a physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity to perform essential self-care tasks. Other signs of self-neglect could include refusal to take treatment options or poor management of prescription routines, malnutrition or dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate or no food in the house. If one notices these signs, one should intervene and discuss moving the elder to an assisted living facility. 3. Frequent periods of isolation Older adults with few social ties who live alone, are hard of hearing or have mobility issues might slowly start to isolate themselves.
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10 best laundry detergents and their features
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10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes. It has an active scent boost that eliminates the toughest of stains and odors so that your clothes have a fresh feel. This detergent has exceptional performance in all washing machines and provides effective cleaning at all water temperatures. The clean rinse formula and low suds ensure that white clothes stay white and bright clothes stay bright. Kirkland Laundry Detergent If you are looking for laundry detergents that are easy on your pocket, then choosing this Kirkland laundry detergent will be the best. The detergent offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. It has an ultra-clean formulation which enables it to travel deep in the fabrics to eliminate odor and stains.
Things to know about chronic kidney disease
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Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys. This disorder is one of the most common types of kidney disease. Vesicoureteral reflux This is a condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys.
Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration
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Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss. Leafy green veggies Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Including leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens in your meal plan can increase the pigment density in the macula and potentially slow down age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, keep up a healthy intake of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, all excellent sources of essential vitamins. Colorful vegetables Colorful vegetables such as carrots, red and yellow pepper, pumpkin, and tomato contain carotenoids that contain essential vitamins for the eyes, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. To manage macular degeneration, include all these colorful and eye-healthy veggies on your plate.