As many people age, an important concern is retaining their independence. Too often these people feel that asking for help with daily activities means completely giving up control of their life. Instead of asking for help, these people try to cope with their aging, immobility or injury alone, which can lead to poorer health and a slower recovery. Here’s some good news: in a recent nationwide survey of SYNERGY HomeCare clients, over 91% of people reported that home care services improved their quality of life and well being.  An important part of well being is independence, and home care is a proven way to improve both.

Understandably, when a person has had a self-reliant life they take pride in providing for others, and will be reluctant to “turn the tables” of caregiving. Many baby boomers have seen their parents and grandparents lose their independence over time, and do not want to be dependent on their children or healthcare professionals during their own elder years. These people are fortunate to live in a time when many care options are available. A wide spectrum of services is available for them to utilize to enhance their level independence.

Think of home care as a tool. You need a car to get around town, a job to pay the bills, and a kitchen to cook dinner.  You may also need caregiving to help you with daily living activities as you age, recover from illness or rehabilitate from injury. If you avoid going to the grocery store or on errands because you tire quickly or because you have trouble reaching items that are shelved too high or low, you are letting your physical limitations get in the way of being truly independent. A caregiver can help you with these activities so that you can continue enjoying these important routines.  This concept can be applied to each part of your life, from taking your medication, to your concerns about safety and socialization while you live alone.  Receiving care is not a resignation of your independence and individuality; it is a tool you can choose to use to keep the lifestyle you have always enjoyed.

Nine in ten SYNERGY HomeCare clients agree that home care improves their quality of life. We believe that no matter where you live (house, apartment, assisted living community, nursing facility or rehabilitation center), there are always opportunities to maintain your independence. If you have any questions about how SYNERGY HomeCare can help maintain your independent living, please contact the location nearest to you.

Sincerely,

Peter Tourian

Exercise and Coping With Cancer

When you are dealing with cancer, for example mesothelioma, no matter what form or stage of treatment you happen to be in, it has been found that increasing your fitness level is something that you can do to improve your situation. While becoming more fit is not a cure for cancer, it has been shown that it can help prevent cancer, that it can increase the success rate of the treatment and that it can prevent the recursion of cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that increased physical activity has a strong circumstantial role in the fight against cancer.  However, what do you do if you have never exercised before or if the cancer treatments have you feeling tired all the time?

First, don’t be ashamed. There are plenty of people who have never exercised before. After all, no one is born knowing how to exercise. This is something that can make a huge difference in your life, but if you don’t have the training, you won’t necessarily know where to start. The positive side of the equation, however, is that it is entirely possible to learn how to exercise. For example, if you are thinking about belly dancing, you can simply start by watching videos online. This is a terrific way to get started at no cost to yourself.

Remember that exercise, like anything else, becomes much more easy when you make it into a habit. Exercising is irritating in many cases. You have to wear special clothes, you get tired and sweaty, and then you have to clean up afterward. This is something that can make people more adverse to the idea. However, you will find that if you can force yourself through your workout every day, you are going to be in a great place to make it into a habit for yourself.

If you are a family caregiver of someone with mesothelioma orr other form of cancer, you can encourage your loved one to start exercising by being their workout partner.  Start small, and work toward a goal together.

You may also be concerned about falling, getting hurt or becoming overly exhausted when you exercise. You can trust a family or professional caregiver to help and monitor your health as you continue your fitness regimen.

Exercise is not easy, but remember that it will get easier over time. The first time you do a workout, you may end up discouraged, tired and unconvinced that it is going to help you. Think about where you want to go with your treatment and all the things that exercise can do for you. This is something that you are doing for yourself, and in the end, it is going to be entirely worth it to put the commitment towards this process.

Choose an exercise program that interests you and that gets you out. Unless you are feeling terribly shy, your exercise can put you in a significantly better place with regards to outside contact. While some people do badly with social situations, other people like to welcome the challenge of working out with other people around. You never know when you are going to make a friend out of an exercise buddy, so be welcoming and find someone who is after the same things in a workout that you are.

Exercise can be a huge part of your life, and it is a good choice if you are dealing with cancer in some way. Consider what it can do for you and try exercising today!

The results of spring cleaning can be very rewarding, but it is more involved than the weekly cleaning routine, which can make it difficult and even dangerous for an aging person. For seniors, the reasons to deep clean the house go beyond having a fresh living environment; spring cleaning is a safety precaution. Here are some benefits of spring cleaning with your loved one or a caregiver

Clearing Paths

As you move furniture during spring cleaning, it presents an opportunity to make clearer paths, which helps seniors to more easily navigate their home and reduces the risk of falling. Straighten any bumps in the rug and remove any power cords running across walkways.

Dusting an Disinfecting

The removal of allergens and germs makes it easier to breathe and reduces the risk of infection. This is especially important for seniors, who can be more prone to bacterial infections and can have a harder time fighting them.

Organizing

Going through closets, papers and even the freezer is a great way for you or your loved one to more easily find needed items and de-clutter the house.

Special Note: Before You Start

Deep cleaning a house has the potential to be quite difficult for people with limited strength and mobility

Moving heavy appliances and dusting surfaces above your normal reach might be something that you would like to delegate to a caregiver. The sort of in-depth cleaning listed above calls for physical strength for heavy lifting and climbing ladders, as well as extra energy for dusting every surface of your home and sorting though unwanted clutter.  In order to make your spring cleaning (or that of an elderly loved one) more safe, easy and productive, consider enlisting us at SYNERGY HomeCare for our homemaking services. With the help of a one of our expert caregivers, getting a home free of dust, grime and clutter is easy as can be. After all, who has the spare time or energy to vacuum the tracks of their storm windows?

This year get the hard stuff done quickly with SYNERGY HomeCare and have more time to smell the fresh spring roses. For ways to get started, here are some basic tips on in-depth house cleaning from Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook (Clarkson Potter/Publishers; 2006)

A January 2011 survey shows that new technology can actually reduce the burdens of the average American family caregiver.^[1] In addition, more and more studies continue to show that family caregivers are eager to find technological and web-based tools that can help to improve their own quality of life as well as the quality of life of the loved one they’re caring for.

While reading this you may be wondering what sort of “technology” we’re referring to or worrying that these technologies might be hard to find or use, but the truth is that there are a lot of technological resources available to you as a family caregiver, all the way from a powered wheelchair to this blog! Since you’re reading this blog, you’ve already witnessed how technology can benefit you and your family. One of the advantages of our time is that we now live in a world where countless resources are always ready and available—all you have to do is find them!

Here is a short list of some forms of technology that have proven to be useful in the life of the family caregiver:

• Online resources, such as articles, studies, and facts
• Cell phones or smart phones with web capabilities for access to up-to-date tips and help and support for family caregiving
• “Low-tech” devices like walkers and pill organizers
• Toilet and bathing aids
• Dressing and grooming aids
• Transfer benches and handrails

Obviously this list is incomplete, but hopefully it gives you a sense of your numerous options of technological devices that have been designed to alleviate your burden and make family caregiving much more easy and enjoyable.

For a more thorough index of technological tools designed to help you and your family, feel free to visit sites like AbleData.com, and be sure to check back to our own high-tech webpage here at SYNERGY HomeCare for more helpful information.

Arranging long term care plans with your parents can be a bonding activity. Below are a few reasons to approach the topic of long term care with your parents.

Save Yourself from Worrying

Why didn’t I think of this earlier? Is this what Mom would want? Who is Dad’s lawyer? These are questions that can be avoided by communicating about long term care now.  Take the time now to learn your loved one’s wishes for the type of care they would like to receive, and free yourself from worrying in the future

Tip: Want to help your kids? Make a long term care plan for yourself and keep it on file for their use later.

A Wise Investment

Whether you put time or money into it, you long term care plan will pay off in the end.  Oftentimes, you can get long term care insurance prior to needing care, and not have to worry about it later.  Get the ball rolling on tasks that will save time later, like interviewing home care companies or taking tours of assisted living facilities.

Family Ties

When parents become ill or are injured, their children often become upset.  Without a plan, siblings, grandchildren and even other family members can fight over the proper treatment of their loved one.  A long term care plan keeps everyone on the same page, and helps everyone come to the same conclusion, promoting a supportive atmosphere.

Tip: Want to be a good example to your kids? By caring for your parents, you are showing them how to effectively and compassionately care for someone else.

Pre- Made Delegation

Family caregivers are often bogged down with all the tasks of long term care, when a long term care plan can cover home care, which helps with activities of daily living. A long term care plan should also cover any medical needs, such as nursing services.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) was on April 16.  Learn more about making long term care plans and advance directives from the official website of NHDD.  You can also find out more about long term care from SYNERGY HomeCare.

Your health is a part of you that affects every part of your life.  We all want to feel well; to have energy, vitality, and the ability to take on the joys and challenges of life. Good health can be taken for granted, and many people close their eyes and cross their fingers, hoping that this wellness remains in- tact. While poor health can certainly be avoided through healthy living habits, there are times when disease or injury are unexpected. On the other hand, no matter how fit or conscious you are, you cannot avoid the complications of old age, injury, or inherited conditions. All things considered, good health is not a given, but you can ensure your well being by making the choice to take your long-term care into your own hands.

NHDD

National Healthcare Decisions Day is coming up on April 16.  Take this time to evaluate your long-term care plans and create or adjust them to promote your well being, comfort and independence throughout your life. If you work in the healthcare field, encourage your patients and their families to make decisions about their long term care plans.

Planning ahead

Throughout April, the SYNERGY HomeCare blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts will provide information on the following topics. As you plan ahead for your long term care, make decisions about:

• Advance directives – Power of attorney and living will documents
• Location – Decide if you would like to live at home, at an assisted living community, or in another facility
• Financing – Choose or adjust your insurance plan to cover long-term care
• Benefits – Find out if you or your spouse is eligible for any benefits that will help you with your long term care plans.
• Legal Concerns

The long term healthcare decisions you make today will benefit you, your spouse, your children, your finances and your lifestyle.  Making long term healthcare choices requires time, thought and action, but it is the best way to ensure your well being and the well being of your loved ones in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Peter Tourian

Founder and CEO

In order to demonstrate the importance of taking action, on March 21, 2012, mayors and elected officials from all over the country volunteered their time for Mayors for Meals, delivering food to hungry seniors across the nation. (To see who got involved in your area, click here for a up-to-date listening of Mayors for Meals participants.)

Curious about how you can get involved and help put an end to senior hunger in America? Consider donating to the cause, volunteering your time, or simply raising awareness through social media like facebook and twitter.

It’s important to us at SYNERGY HomeCare that you never underestimate your potential to make an impact. We are in the business of bettering the lives of people through genuine in-home care, and because of this we know that there is no such thing as a “small deed”—every bit of help makes a difference and impacts lives.

So, on behalf of hungry seniors everywhere, let’s rise to the occasion and help put an end to hunger in the lives of our beloved seniors. These people who spent their lives improving upon the nation and preparing it for the generations to come deserve our support during their time of need. And for those of you who are a part of the 800,000 to 1.7 million volunteers, thank you for loving those who loved you first.

To find out more about how you can get involved with March for Meals and MOWAA, be sure to visit http://www.mowaa.org/marchformeals.

By Chantel Heister

Multiple Sclerosis (or MS) is an autoimmune disease, which is often inherited.  When MS appears in adults, it often progresses slowly and evidences itself with intermittent symptoms such as fatigue, loss of balance, weakness, blurred vision, and impaired thinking. When these symptoms appear, household tasks, child care and trips outside of the home can become difficult.

When you are in the early stages of MS, it is possible to live a full and healthy life on your own. So what do you in the when you don’t need a full-time caregiver, but you would like help when you have symptoms of MS? Better yet, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to call when you need help?  While you may not need constant care, you could benefit from short visits that tend to daily tasks and responsibilities so that you can rest easy until your episode ends.

Courtesy Care is a great solution for people who only need short visits. Depending on how you feel, we can adjust your care plan to fit the amount of help you need. Courtesy Visits last about 15-20 minutes and can help with everything from straightening up your house to helping you be more comfortable, to running to the mailbox. One great aspect of Courtesy Care is that your caregiver is familiar with your condition, and can anticipate your specific needs.

SYNERGY HomeCare also provides Courtesy Calls, which a short phone calls to ensure your well being. Whether you or your family member has MS, Courtesy Calls are a quick and easy way to get help. Courtesy Calls “check in” on your or your loved one in an easy and convenient way. For everyone’s peace of mind, the calls can be recorded and sent to family caregivers.

When you need short wellness visits for your MS symptoms, Courtesy Care is an ideal option for you. Learn more about Courtesy Care on our website.

Take a Class

Find a cooking or an art class at your local community center and learn new and fun things about your favorite or new hobby. Not only is it a great chance to continue to grow and learn but it also gives you the opportunity to meet and engage with new people. The more you branch out of your comfort zone, the more you gain from the experience.

Give Back

Volunteer at the animal shelter, a boys and girls club, or even help with people who are homebound. By giving back to your community, not only are you rewarded with the sense of accomplishment and goodwill, but you’re changing the lives of those around you. Nothing puts your world back into perspective than seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes.

Exercise!

Now we’re not saying you should go run a marathon (unless that is already our style than more power to you!) What we are saying is stay active. From gardening to ballroom dancing to yoga or tai chi, there are a variety of ways to keep your body limber and moving. Whatever you do, don’t stop moving!

Go on a Date

Whether it’s with your longtime spouse or the cutie from the community center, take a special night to show how you care for that person. Appreciate all the ways they have helped you to feel young. Nothing says “I love you” more than a romantic stroll in the park after a candle lit supper.

Throw a Party

When we mean celebrate, we mean CELEBRATE! Take everything you’ve done this week to celebrate being young at heart and combine it into a party. Get together friends- new and old, family, and loved ones and tell them to bring the cake and balloons. Make something extra special that you learned from that cooking class or show off your new dancing skills. This is a great time to celebrate life. Spring is in the air. New life is emerging from the earth. Why not enjoy this wonderful time by eating delicious foods and dancing and laughing with your friends and those you hold dear.

Enjoy this week and every week by doing something new and different. Need suggestions or are unsure of where to start? Ask your local SYNERGY HomeCare office.

Being away from a loved one when they need your help can be one of the hardest parts of life as a family caregiver.  It can be nearly impossible to have peace of mind when you are at work, when you go home for the night, or even when you run errands.  Living in a different town or state can compound the problem: not only are you away from your loved one; you can’t get there quickly if they need help.

While your contingency plans may rely on neighbors, friends and community to keep an eye on your aging, sick, or immobile loved one, these plans can fall through.  Family caregivers like you often want dependable way to be assured that family member is secure, comfortable and in good hands.  For this reason, SYNERGY HomeCare created the Courtesy Care program, a care plan that allows for short visits, recorded phone calls, and emergency precautions.

Courtesy Care is a great solution for family caregivers who would like a dependable way of checking in on their loved one when they are at work, on a trip, or live far away. It is also a good solution for seniors or other family members who reject full-time care, even if you insist on it. Many people are open to a 15 minute Courtesy Visit or a five minute Courtesy Call. While these check-ins may seem short, they give trained and experienced caregivers just enough time to make sure that your loved one is doing well.

When you are away from your loved one, having a reliable and fool-proof backup plan for their well being is one of the best things you can do.  Learn more about how Courtesy Care can help you by reading our blog this month.