Fire Safety For Seniors

Why Seniors Are At Risk And What To Do About It
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.  People over the age of 65 are one of the groups at highest risk of dying in a fire.  People age 65-75 are twice as likely as the general population, 75-85 are three times as likely, and 85+ are four and one-half times as likely to be killed in a house fire.
 
Why is this?  Decreased mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a senior citizen's ability to take quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.  Depending on physical limitations, many of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver, neighbor, or outside source.

Fire Life-Saving Tips
-Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home
-Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change frequently
-Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm
-Develop and practice a home fire escape plan
-Keep a fire extinguisher handy

Go Room To Room: Kitchen
-The kitchen is a high danger zone for fire, so be cautious when cooking.
-Do not leave food unattended when cooking.
-Don't weat loose clothing while cooking.
-Never use the range or oven to heat the home.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before going to bed.
-Double-check the kitchen to be sure everything is turned off before leaving home.
-Don't overload electrical outlets.
-Always keep dish towels away from all appliances.

Go Room To Room: Bedroom

Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin.  Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords, using damaged electric blankets, or operating portable space heaters too close to combustibles.  Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches and lighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.  Before you tuck yourself into bed for the night, make sure you take the time to prevent possible fires in the bedroom.

Free No-Obligation In-Home Assessment From Visiting Angels®

We can provide you with peace of mind and perform a free in-home safety assessment at your convenience.  The safety and security of seniors is our first concern at Visiting Angels, so contact us today.  We can be reached at 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com  and one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels would quickly get back in touch with you.

Beating Caregiver Stress

Are You An Informal Or Family Caregiver For An Elderly Person?  If You Are, You Are Not Alone.

Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point in their lives.  Each year, more than 44 million Americans (21% of the adult population) provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled person 18 years or older.  This is extremely significant, as it represents 80% of all long-term care in the United States. Caregivers can be people of almost any age, but most caregivers are middle-aged or older women who have jobs in addition to caring for an elderly person.  Most of these women have changed hours or working conditions in order to care for their elderly family member.

Sound Stressful?  It Is.  Take Our Caregiver Stress Questionnaire To See If You Are Under Too Much Stress And To See If Our Suggestions Can Help You.
* Do you feel frustrated and angry while you take care of someone?
* Do you feel guilty about the quality of care you provide because you are so busy?
* Do you feel that giving care has hurt your social life?

* Are you exhausted when you go to bed at night?
* Do you feel overwhelmed?
* Have you recently gained or lost a lot of weight?
* Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy?
* Are you easily irritated or angered?
* Are you constantly worried?
* Are you often sad?
* Do you get headaches or experience other physical problems?
* Do you abuse alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs?

If you answered "yes" to 8 or more questions above = high stress.
If you answered "yes" to 4-7 questions above = medium stress.
If you answered "yes" to 0-3 questions above = low stress.

Ways To Reduce Caregiver Stress
Focus on the rewards of caregiving, and giving back to a loved one.  Being a caregiver strengthens your relationship with the person receiving care and makes you feel needed, boosting your self-confidence.

Make sure you are at your best:
* Get your prescriptions filled
* Keep your own doctor and dentist appointments
* Eat healthy meals
* Get enough sleep
* Exercise vigorously at least 45 minutes each day
* Do something just for yourself at least once a week

Talk to a counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional right away if your stress leads you to physically or emotionally harm the person you are caring for.

Find out how to deal with your loved one's disease.  This will help you take a positive approach to the daily questions and issues you will be presented with.  You may be able to find a hospital or local agency on aging that offers classes on caring for people with that disease.  Do research with doctors, nurses, on websites, and at the library.  The more information you have, the easier it will be to prepare for issues that arise.

If you do find that you are under stress from caring for your loved one, try these stress reducing tips:
* Get help from community service providers for:
   -transportation
   -meal delivery
   -home health care services
   -non-medical home care
   -home modification for easier daily tasks
   -legal and financial counseling
* Accept help from friends and family - this includes financial help.
* Say "no" to volunteer tasks, such as hosting holiday meals.
* Do the best you can and don't feel guilty about not being perfect.
* Prioritize your tasks and establish a daily routine.
* Stay in touch with family and friends.
* Join a support group for caregivers facing the same condition or disease.
* Try to keep your sense of humor.

Check with the human resource office at work.  It may have suggestions which might be helpful in successfully managing both your job and your responsibilities taking care of your loved one.

Perhaps you will feel better about your loved one's safety if you purchase an emergency or surveillance device.  These devices include emergency response systems (not for people with dementia), intercom systems, web cams, and mobility monitors.  These devices can help with your peace of mind.

When You Need A Break, We Can Help!
When you need a break (and you will), please give us a call.  Here at Visiting Angels®, we will come to your loved one's home and perform any number of household chores, run errands, prepare meals, assist with hygiene, and provide companionship for your loved one, and we're happy to do it!  Our schedule is your schedule.  We can give you a break whenever you need it the most.  This includes anytime of the day or night, weekends and holidays included.  And, let us discuss with you how affordable our rates are.

There Is A Solution -- Contact Us Today.

You've been working hard caring for your loved one, and you've been patient, but you need a break from time to time.  Contact us to receive further information or to arrange for a free no-obligation assessment of your situation.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to walk you through any questions or concerns you might have.  Call us at either 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440, or, if you prefer, send us an email to wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we will get in contact with you.

When Is Home Care Needed?

The question is often asked of us, "When is home care needed for a loved one?"  The following are warning signs which might indicate when homecare is needed for someone you love:

He or she poses a threat to their own well-being
Is recently discharged from the hospital
Has physical limitations
Is undergoing rehabilitation
Experiences lapses in memory
Cannot prepare their own meals
Cannot maintain their lifestyle independently
Cannot make it through the night unattended
Over burdens your personal schedule
Can no longer be satisfied through your care giving efforts

Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that VISITING ANGELS® is "America's Choice In Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, please give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get right back to you.

How Do We Care For Our Loved Ones So Far Away?

Does My Loved One Need Care?
In today's world, it's common for families and friends to be separated by great distances.  At some point in their lives, your parents, grandparents or a loved one may need in-home care.  Suddenly you are faced with the challenge of long distance caregiving.  The best approach to dealing with long distance caregiving is to educate yourself and family and to prepare ahead of time.

Institutional Facilities vs. Their Home
Sometimes, nursing homes and retirement housing seem like the only options available for care.  However, there can be significant emotional trauma when your loved one leaves their cherished home and familiar surroundings.  Studies have shown that seniors thrive more when they remain in their homes and familiar communities with their friends and neighbors.

I Feel Guilty That I Am Not There For Them.
Guilt is a natural emotion.  It's frustrating to be separated by distance and trying to manage remotely.  Reduce your anxiety and share the load with other family members.  Know your strengths, your limitations, and let others help.  If your loved one is dealing with a specific illness, like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, or the aftermath of a stroke, contact a local association or support group.  Most importantly, stay in contact with your loved one.  Establish periodic phone calls and visit as often as possible.

How Do I Choose A Home Care Agency?
Home care agencies offer different levels of service.  Choose an agency that can offer more than basic homemaker services.  Eventually, your loved one may require personal care services, like dressing, bathing and hygiene.  The agency you choose should be bonded, insured, and licensed.  Their caregivers should be experienced and screened including a criminal background check.  You or your loved one should be able to meet with the caregiver before you agree to the services.

Let Visiting Angels® Bring You Peace Of Mind.
In today's world, long distance caregiving is becoming a necessity and Visiting Angels is a leader in delivering the care you need where you need it!  Rest assured with peace of mind that your loved one will be in the experienced and caring hands of our Angels of Tampa Bay.  So, there really is a solution to long distance caregiving, and that solution is Visiting Angels.

Contact Us Today
Don't hesitate to contact us to receive further information or arrange for a free no-obligation assessment.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to walk you through any questions or concerns you might have. Call us at either 813-909-2550 or 727-841-8440, or, if you prefer, send an email to wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get in contact with you.