Tips to Make Nighttime Caregiving Easier

For the third time tonight, around 4 a.m., your mother calls out that she needs help getting to the bathroom. You wearily rise and groggily assist her, trying to muster your last shreds of patience. Tucking her back into bed, you ask yourself if you should even try to hit the pillow again yourself. You’ll have to be up in a couple of hours to get ready for work, anyway. Deciding you might as well stay up, you brew a cup of coffee and contemplate how you’re going to get through the day on six scant hours of interrupted sleep.

It’s a common scenario for family caregivers. Maybe you’re familiar with it.

Many health conditions can prompt seniors to get up during the night. Overactive bladder, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain and insomnia are just a few of the conditions that might plague seniors and cause them to wake up multiple times every night. And when they require assistance during these waking episodes, your own sleep becomes fragmented.

Tips to Make Nighttime Caregiving Easier

Fortunately, family caregivers can employ several strategies to make nighttime caregiving easier and more efficient, potentially minimizing sleep interruption for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help, based on the reason a senior gets up during the night.

1. Frequent urination

If a loved one formerly slept through the night but has begun getting up to use the bathroom frequently, you might want to consult his or her doctor to make sure the senior does not have a urinary tract infection or some other treatable condition. Seniors often do not process pain signals the way younger people do, so they may not express having discomfort with urination even if they have an infection.

If an infection has been ruled out and the senior simply needs to empty his or her bladder frequently at night, then you might streamline the process by adding a portable bedside commode. These chair-style items make it easy and quick for a senior to get up, urinate, and climb back into bed. They also enhance safety, since seniors don’t have to walk a long distance in the dark to reach the toilet.

2. Chronic pain

Aging often brings with it a host of aches and pains. These nagging complaints can make it difficult for a senior to get comfortable in bed and sleep through the night.

Once again, a first step might be to have a chat with your loved one’s doctor, especially for new complaints of pain. A medical professional may be able to pinpoint the cause of pain and prescribe medication or make specific suggestions for alleviating the discomfort in order to make sleeping easier.

However, if the pain is ongoing, try using pillows, a foam mattress topper or even an adjustable bed to help the senior find a comfortable sleeping position. Through a process of trial-and-error, try tucking pillows between the knees, behind the back or under the head to find out what combination relieves the senior’s discomfort. A mattress topper may add softness that relieves pressure point pain. And an adjustable bed, the ultimate sleeping comfort item, might provide general pain relief.

3. Insomnia

Many people think insomnia means being wide awake all night, but that’s not the case. Clinically speaking, insomnia refers to any type of chronically disrupted sleep. This includes periods of frequent waking.

Insomnia occurs more frequently in seniors, though researchers aren’t quite sure why. Sometimes medications can trigger insomnia, so if a senior family member suddenly begins having trouble sleeping through the night you might want to consult his or her doctor for an evaluation.

If a senior loved one wakes frequently, make sure the bedroom contains a comfortable chair and low-level lights for reading or another non-stimulating activity like knitting or completing crossword puzzles. Avoid using tablet computers or cell phones during these episodes because their “blue light” emission is known to inhibit drowsiness.

If these techniques don’t work, and a senior family member experiences insomnia that causes you to sacrifice your own sleep for weeks or months on end, then it might be time to call in a professional. Home Instead Senior Care^®CAREGivers^SM can provide overnight supervision of sleepless seniors so you can get a decent night’s rest without worrying about your loved one’s safety.

4. Alzheimer’s disease

Many seniors with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia engage in rummaging behavior during the night. Some theories suggest rummaging is tied to anxiety, but the behavior could have any number of triggers. While you may not be able to eliminate this behavior entirely, you can strive to manage the situation and get the senior returned to bed by:

·         Removing all dangerous objects like scissors from the rummaging area.

·         Creating a safe rummage bag, drawer or even room (like a walk-in closet). The rummage bag should include the types of item the senior seems to enjoy sorting through. Often this includes clothing, like socks. Observe the senior’s behavior to get a sense of what types of objects they like to handle, and include these in the bag.

·         When the senior awakens to rummage at night, direct him or her to the designated bag, drawer or room. Do not disturb the rummaging. Keep lights low.

Nighttime Safety Tips for All Conditions

No matter why a senior rises at night, you should consider several general safety practices to avoid a fall or other accident.

·         Create adequate low-level lighting. This might mean installing several nightlights, mounting stick-on LED lights beneath cabinets or even securing rope lights to the floor or stair steps to illuminate safe walking paths. Be sure rope lights do not become a trip hazard.

·         Use a baby monitor to hear a senior moving around at night. Place the monitor in the most strategic location for your needs. For instance, if you are not concerned about the senior moving around his or her own bedroom, then you don’t need to put a baby monitor there. However, if you want to be alerted should the senior enter the kitchen, then place the monitor there.

·         Consider a bed alarm if a senior has advanced dementia and wanders. These devices alert you with a tone if the senior leaves his or her bed.

·         Consider bringing in outside help. Professional CAREGivers can provide overnight supervision, toileting assistance and much more. This attentive oversight can help a senior avoid falling or injuring herself in another way.

You give so much through caregiving, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your sleep. Family caregivers who experience chronic sleeplessness face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other medical conditions. By using the above tips to manage a senior loved one’s waking episodes as efficiently as possible, you create more robust sleep opportunities for everyone.

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Visit us online at www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Valley of the Sun Homecare

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Resource Guide

Valley of the Sun Homecare opened its doors seven years ago after its Founder and President Jude Tarris, discovered the personal fulfillment and rewards of helping others while serving as a professional caregiver for a large national franchise. During that time, Jude formed special bonds with the people he cared for – bonds he continues to cherish today. What was originally a part time job quickly became Jude’s passion as he decided to open his own home care agency in 2010. Valley of the Sun Homecare has since become one of the most respected home care agency in Arizona. Many of the top independent living facilities, hospitals, rehab centers, hospice agencies, geriatric care managers, social workers, case managers and other local advisers rely upon Valley of the Sun Homecare to care for their residents and patients. Jude also served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona In-Home Care Association (AZNHA) from 2011-2015. More recently, Valley of the Sun Homecare was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2015 Arizona State University Spirit of Enterprise award. Jude was also selected by the Arizona Republic in 2012 to their annual 35 Under 35 as a top entrepreneur in the state.

Valley of the Sun Homecare is your trusted source for all of your in home care needs.  We know every person and situation is unique which is why we offer a FREE in Home Assessment to determine how best to keep you living independently at home.  Some of the more common services we provide include:  Alzheimer's Care, Dementia Care, Parkinson's Care, Personal Care, Bathing and Dressing Assistance, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders, Meal Planning and Preparation, Light Housekeeping, Laundry and Linen Assistance, Transportation to Doctor's Appointments, Grocery Shopping and Running Errands, Pet Care, Friendly Companionship, Respite Care, 24 Hour Care, Overnight Care, Live-in Care and much, much more.

Why Choose Valley of the Sun Homecare?
Our Approach: We believe that choosing the right home care agency is a difficult and personal decision and we think it requires the kind of personal attention and hands-on support that only a local agency can provide.  Valley of the Sun Homecare is owned locally and operated locally.  The company’s founder, Jude Tarris, lives and works in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Our People: Although Arizona does not require any special licenses or credentials for in-home caregivers http://www.valleyofthesunhomecare.com/our-caregivers/, we hold our staff to very high standards.  We work hard to make sure that every one of our clients receives the best possible care, feeling safe, secure, and comfortable at home.  Every one of our caregivers must pass an extensive interview process, a background check and pre employment drug test.  Mr. Tarris has a simple rule: If he wouldn’t trust someone to care for his own family, he simply won’t allow them to care for yours.

Our Values: We take pride in being an active, responsible member of the local community.  We are a member organization of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintaining an A+ rating, Arizona In-Home Care Association (AZNHA) and Home Care Association of America (HCAOA). Additionally, we are annual supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Our Size: We believe Arizonans deserve to have the best care at prices they can afford.  That’s why we insist on being a small, independent company.  We are not part of a national franchise system.  This affords us to be able to do what is best for our clients right here in Arizona rather than making profits for a large out of state franchise system . By keeping our company small, we deliver excellent personal care services and we keep it affordable for you.

You can visit us online at  www.ValleyOfTheSunHomeCare.com or contact us today at (480) 264-5252 to schedule your FREE in home assessment!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Center at Val Vista

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Resource Guide

The Center at Val Vista serves patients needing physical rehabilitation and/or complex nursing care. Our highly qualified, caring staff provides care in a beautiful, hotel-like atmosphere to help our patients achieve strength and functionality.  Skilled-nursing care, family involvement, psychological care and discharge planning complement a well-rounded, individualized program and encourage each patient’s transition to their highest functional level.  

With state-of-the-art equipment and unparalleled comfort and amenities, our physician-driven care plan is designed to maximize the quality of our care.  

Rehabilitation Services

At The Center at Val Vista each patient has access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy services.  Patients are provided up to 720 minutes per week, or an average of approximately 2.5 hours of therapy per day over a 5 day minimum.  You will have the opportunity to work with both a physical and occupational therapist as we know your recovery is very important. 

Your physical therapist will address walking, range of motion, strengthening, balance and management of stairs and/or inclines.  Your occupational therapists will address daily tasks that may have become quite challenging to you.  These specific tasks are activities such as showing, grooming, daily hygiene, dressing, cleaning, cooking and laundry.  Occupational therapists also address balance issues, and upper body strengthening.  Depending on the status of your health, you may or may not need speech therapy services.  Speech therapists, also known as speech pathologists, address verbal and non-verbal communication deficits, cognitive functions such as medication management, check book management, and memory and specialize in swallowing disorders also known as dysphagia. 

During your stay here at The Center at Val Vista you will be provided equipment needed to facilitate your rehabilitation.  These items may include a walker, wheelchair, and bedside commode.  While these items are for your use while you are our guest, we will be sure to get brand new ones ordered for you upon discharge if you are finding them necessary for use during your daily routine after you leave The Center. 

Prior to your discharge, your therapist will offer you a home evaluation.  Usually this will occur several days prior to leaving our facility.  One of your therapists will follow you to your home for a brief visit at which time they will have you complete basic tasks in the home, and make recommendation for any home modifications or equipment you may need. 

Medical Services

Skilled nursing care, family involvement, psychological care and discharge planning complement a well-rounded, individualized program and encourage each patient’s transition to their highest functional level.   We do provide care for medically complex patients.  Patients that require oxygen, frequent monitoring, have breathing tubes, feeding tubes, have limited mobility or have large wounds are our specialty.  The following is a list of just a few of the conditions that we care for and treat at The Center. 

•         Congestive heart failure
•         Diabetes Mellitus
•         Total knee, hip or shoulder arthroplasty
•         Recovery from heart attack
•         Infection requiring intravenous antibiotics
•         Recovery from abdominal surgery
•         Complex wounds
•         Pneumonia
•         Cellulitis
•         Recovery from amputation
•         Paraplegia
•         Multiple sclerosis
•         Parkinson’s disease
•         Geriatric decline
•         Alzheimer’s & Dementia
•         Diverticulitis, hypertension
•         Peptic ulcer disease
•         Peripheral vascular disease
•         Kidney failure
•         Deep venous thrombosis
•         Emphysema
•         Asthma
•         Recovery from hip fracture or fall
•         Pelvic fracture and ongoing cancer care

We look forward to assisting you in your full recovery and are honored you are considering The Center at Val Vista to care for you. 

Visit us online @ http://www.centeratvalvista.com

Choosing A Senior Living Community

https://youtu.be/A9SDGE50b4c

https://youtu.be/cqt2V0LJvsA

Following Article available on ALFA.org

The choice to move into a senior living community is as individual as the person making the decision. There is no clear-cut, step-by-step template that tells people exactly when it is time to consider a senior living community, whether that be an independent living community, assisted living community or nursing home. However, there are numerous signs that a new living arrangement is needed, such as inability to manage a home’s upkeep, assistance with meals, medication management, loneliness, and other issues. Here, we offer some tips for choosing a quality residence and the important factors in the decision-making process.

Choosing a senior living residence for yourself or a loved one is one of the biggest decisions of your life. It involves the sobering realization that living alone in a home full of love and memories may no longer be the best setting at this phase of your life or your loved one’s life. Fortunately, many more assisted living and senior living options are available today than there were decades ago.

“Choice” is the key word in any conversation about senior living options. Senior living offers choice about where you or your loved one wants to live, choice about the services provided, and choice about the level of care and type of environment that bests matches your or your loved one’s physical and emotional needs. Each senior living resident and potential resident is a unique individual, so high-quality senior living residences offer a wide array of choices.

While every senior living community is different, typical services include:

• Housekeeping services
• Transportation
• Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking
• Access to health and medical services
• Alzheimer’s and memory care
• Staff available to respond to both scheduled and unscheduled needs
• 24-hour security
• Emergency call systems for each resident’ apartment
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Medication management
• Personal laundry services
• Social and recreational activities

Checklist for Evaluating Senior Living Communities

The downloadable assisted living checklist defines the typical assisted living residence and what consumers can expect from an assisted living community. You can use this checklist when you visit and evaluate a potential new home for yourself or for a loved one. The guide and checklist also includes information on choosing an assisted Living communities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, often referred to as Special Care Units (SCUs). Download the Guide to Choosing an Assisted Living Community checklist.

Assessing Senior Living Care Needs

Because a variety of senior living care settings are available-including independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, etc.-it’s important to assess your or your loved one’s care needs.

While some seniors may need little to no assistance, others may need medication management and some health-care monitoring, and still others may have acute care needs. Senior living communities you’re considering will conduct an assessment to determine if that care environment is appropriate. However, to give you an initial feel for which environment may be most appropriate, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services offers the CarePlanner interactive tool to help you choose between different living options.

Family Caregiver Considerations

Many times, families can make a joint decision about when it is time to consider moving into a senior living care setting. This type of decision-making allows for some research and time to explore the very real concerns of the senior and leads to greater satisfaction with the choices made. The prospect of moving is unsettling, requiring a move from a known and seemingly secure situation to an unknown situation where seniors may worry about loss of control and independence.

Families and potential residents should visit assisted living communities together. If you’re forced to make a decision for your loved one, such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the burden of responsibility can seem immense. TheAlzheimer’s Association provides valuable tips for helping care for and make decisions for a loved one with dementia.
Perhaps the best advice is to follow your heart to know exactly when it is time for you or your loved one to make the transition. Change is rarely easy, but the good news is that most seniors, once they weather the upheaval of transition, report better quality life in their senior living residence.

Visit us online @ http://www.senioroneresource.net 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ABC Hearing

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

About ABC Hearing Aid

Hearing Independence

Hearing Independence guides everything we do. It's not only what we strive to provide each person who walks through the door, it's what makes us different from other hearing healthcare providers.  See, we're locally owned and operated. We're inspired by Main Street – not managed or directed by Wall Street. We built our business the American way – from scratch – knowing that success wouldn't come easy but would instead have to be earned: one satisfied client at a time.

People Helping People

We are ingrained with the values that make our community strong. We aren't afraid of hard work. We put others before ourselves, and we're committed to improving every life we touch. We believe that by helping others hear better, we don't just improve their lives, we improve the community as a whole. Family relationships grow tighter. Social interactions become smoother. Information flows. Safety is enhanced. And misunderstandings are minimized. We know that a community full of confident, vibrant and engaged people is one where potential is unlimited.

Expertise You Can Trust

Personal care and attentive service aren't the only things you can be confident you'll get with each visit. You can also rest assured you'll have experienced and highly trained experts guiding you during every step of your hearing journey.  Using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and working with the hearing industry's most advanced and reliable technology, we'll get you results you want and give you the support you deserve.

  

Always There

ABC Hearing Centers have been improving the lives of people all across the Valley since the early 1990's. We are independent-minded hearing professionals who are working hard to give you piece of mind knowing that no matter where you are or where you go, ABC will be there with you. 

At ABC Hearing we offer an in-house Hearing Aid Repair Lab. This allows us to have your hearing aids back to you quickly so that you can enjoy a better quality of life. In many cases, your hearing aid will be back to you in a day or less. If you are having problems with your Hearing Aids, it does not matter what make or model, schedule an appointment today for a FREE evaluation! Mention this website and we will inspect and clean your current hearing instrument free of charge! 480-964-2386 or 623-582-HEAR (4327)

Friendly Hearing 

Professionals

Family Atmosphere

Fast service, Cleaning and Hearing Aid Repair

Advanced State-of-the-Art Digital Hearing Aids 

In-Home service

ABC Hearing Centers have been improving the lives of people all across the Valley since the early 1990's. We are independent-minded hearing professionals who are working hard to give you piece of mind knowing that no matter where you are or where you go, ABC will be there with you.

Visit us online @ www.CanUHearWell.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Savanna House Assisted Living and Memory Care

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser

in the SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

Introducing Savanna House, the all-new assisted living and memory care community coming to Gilbert, Arizona.

Here, residents maintain a sense of independence in a
private apartment with all the resort-style community amenities seniors desire today.   At Savanna House,
hospitality is a hallmark of exceptional care.   Loved ones
with memory loss will receive highly individualized care
in one of three distinct neighborhoods—each catering
to a specific stage of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

 Individuals who desire assistance with the activities of daily living will receive personal support at whatever level they require—with a goal of self-sufficiency and independence.

Visit us online @ SavannaHouseSeniorLiving.com