What Will I Need for Post-Hospitalization Care for my Aging Loved One?

By Roz Jones

When a loved one is hospitalized, there are many things to worry about. But once they come home, there are also a lot of details to take care of. Here is a list of what you will need to prepare for post-hospitalization care. Each person’s needs may vary, so be sure to talk to your loved one’s doctor and nurse about what specific instructions they have. With careful planning, you can make the transition from hospital to home as smooth as possible.

As a Caregiver, you will need to stay with your loved one at all times for the first 24 hours after they come home. It may be beneficial to arrange for another family member or caregiver to assist with taking care of your loved one. After that, you will need to ensure that there is someone available to help with meals, personal care, and any home modifications that may be needed.

Home modifications – Depending on your loved one’s condition, you may need to make some changes to your home. For example, if they are bedridden, you will need to make sure there is plenty of space for them to move around in and that all the furniture is arranged in a way that makes it easy for them to get in and out of bed. If your aging loved one will be wheel chair bound, install a wheelchair ramp and widen doorways. If you have stairs you want to make sure you install rails on both sides of the stairways, in addition to adding grab bars in the bathrooms. This is to ensure youor loved one has easy access inside and outside of the home. Be sure to lower any shelves and organize necessities to ensure your loved one is able to independently reach items whe needed.
Personal care assistance – Now that your loved one has been released from the hospital they may need your help with bathing, dressing, using the toilet and grooming. You will need to make sure that someone is available to help them with these tasks. Make sure to create a schedule and stick to it so your loved one is properly cared for at all times.
Meal preparation and nutrition – You will need to make sure that your loved one is getting enough nutrients by planning well-balanced meals. If they are on a special diet, you will need to make sure that all their food needs are met. In addition, you should make sure your loved one is eating healthy foods that are easy to digest. Prepare yourself to cook or order in meals to meet your aging loved ones dieting needs.
Medication management – Be sure to keep track of all the medication that your loved one is taking, as well as when and how to take it. You will also need to coordinate refills with the nearest pharmacy.
Transport services – If your loved one is not able to drive themselves, you will need to arrange for transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, etc. This may include assistance with getting in and out of the car, or using public transit.
Companionship and socialization – Spending time with friends and family can help your loved one recover more quickly. But if you live far away or are unable to visit often, you may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide regular conversation and activities to keep your loved one mentally stimulated.

Post-hospitalization care can be a lot smoother for both you and your loved one if you take the time to plan ahead. Make sure to have all of the necessary supplies on hand, arrange for transportation, and line up any needed home health services. If possible, try to enlist the help of a friend or family member who can assist with post-hospital care. With a little bit of preparation, you can make returning home after a hospital stay an easier process for everyone involved.

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How Caregivers Can Make The Most of National Grandparent’s Day

By Roz Jones

September 11th is National Grandparent’s Day, a time to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. While the day is mostly about showing your appreciation for the older generation, it can also be a great opportunity for Caregivers to spend time with and gain some advice and wisdom from their elders. Here are five tips on how to make the most of this special day.

Thank your grandparents for all they’ve done for you: Believe it or not, grandparents are indispensable. Whether they are looking after young children in the family or cooking a meal for Sunday dinner, grandparents seem to always show up when needed. Express your gratitude for them by simply saying “thank you”. Spend family time with them because at that age nothing brings them more joy than their offspring.
Spend time with them, whether that means going out to eat or visiting them at home: Include your grandparents in your plans for the day on September 11th. Whether you are looking to go out to eat for the day or looking to cook dinner for the evening, extend an invitation, you may just make their day!
Show them how much you appreciate them with a small gift or thoughtful gesture: Sometimes simply saying thank you isn’t adequate enough. Check out this article to find out 10 ways you can show gratitude when “Thank You” is inadequate.
Tell stories about your childhood and the things you loved doing together: Reminiscing on the good times is always a great time to spend time with your loved one and can end up putting a smile on their face. Take a stroll down memory lane to make your grandparent laugh or smile.
If your grandparents live far away, Facetime or Skype with them so they can be a part of the day: If your grandparents live far away, don’t worry, with the age of technology there is always a way to include your grandparents on their special day.

Whether you’re spending time with your grandparents today or not, make sure to take the time to appreciate them. They’ve likely had a lot of life experiences that they can share with you if you’re willing to listen. And who knows? You may learn something new that changes the course of your life.

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Tips for Caregivers of Divorced Parents

If you are a Caregiver taking care of aging divorced parents, you know the challenges of trying to make everyone happy. With competing demands from both parents, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to meet everyone’s needs. However, there are some things Caregivers can do to make the situation a little easier. Here are some tips to help make things a little bit easier.

Set boundaries with both parents: Caregivers should explain what they are able and willing to do. You should also make it clear that you cannot do everything. It may be beneficial to ask a family member or sibling to assist with taking care of day-to-day tasks so you are not expected to do everything.

Split up the work: As a Caregiver, you know how essential it is to spend time with your aging client, make sure you are dividing your time amongst your parents equally ensuring each parent receives some individual attention. If there is a day you are not able to get to your other parent, request for assistance from the family member or sibling designated to help for the day. This way no one feels overwhelmed.

Make a Schedule and Stick To It: If there are multiple people providing support to your aging divorced parents be sure to make a schedule and stick to it. Make sure that everyone is on the same page when creating the schedule to ensure your parents are cared for at all times.

Communicate: If there are multiple family members or siblings assisting with caring for your aging parents, be sure to communicate with them about caregiving responsibilities so everyone remains on the same page for care. It may be beneficial to start a group chat.

Rest and Relax: While taking care of your aging divorced parents, caregivers should also include personal time to take care of themselves. Make sure to schedule some time for rest and relaxation. By taking these steps, Caregivers can help reduce personal stress and create a more manageable situation.

Taking care of aging divorced parents can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Hopefully, by using some of the tips provided, it’ll be possible to make things a little bit easier. I hope these tips have been helpful and wish you all the best as you continue to care for your loved ones.

Are you a Caregiver for a loved one who is incarcerated? Are you trying to find ways to cope? Check out my podcast to learn tips on how Caregivers can manage all of this!

The caregiver’s job is a difficult one with many new realities and hardships such as incarceration.

Often they need to perform as both mother and father to a child with a parent in prison, teaching skills and caring for them in ways the absent parent would have done as well as showing up for the loved one in prison.

So how can they cope with all of this? I share a couple of tips to help in this episode.

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Stay Fit, Trim, and Healthy with Safe Exercises for Seniors

By Roz Jones

Seniors have a lot to gain through regular exercise. Staying active can improve your client or loved one’s physical and mental health and extend their ability to live independently. Below are some tips for developing a beneficial exercise program for your client or loved one and sticking to it.

Designing a Safe and Balanced Exercise Program

Increase endurance. Aerobic exercise like walking or biking is great for your client or loved one’s heart and circulation. Swimming is especially good for seniors because they get a total body workout with low impact and little risk of injuries. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity daily for your client or loved one.
Build strength. Muscle mass declines with age, but resistance training two to three times weekly can help offset that loss. To be safe, start off with easy exercises and progress by increasing weights and repetitions gradually. You may want to take your client or loved one to visit a local gym or take a class at a senior center.

If your client or loved one prefers working out at home, you can buy weights or use household items like bags of rice.

Stay flexible. Stretching will keep your client or loved one limber and help protect them from injury. Have them do it as often as possible – daily is great! Warm-up with some light aerobics and then ease into a stretch gently. Have your client or loved one hold the stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat each movement a few times, gradually extending your client or loved one’s range.

It’s good to feel some slight tension, but if your client or loved one experiences any pain, stop and have them withdraw back to a more comfortable position.

Improve balance. Protect your client or loved one from falls and broken bones by working on their balance. Tai Chi is another low-impact activity ideal for seniors. It promotes balance and strength. Even just having your client or loved one practice standing on one foot can enhance their stability.

Sticking to the Exercise Program

Set realistic goals. A regular workout routine is safer and more beneficial than scattered efforts. Keep your client or loved one motivated by establishing realistic goals. Find activities that they can easily incorporate into their daily schedule such as cutting back on TV viewing to going for a daily swim. When their favorite program is on, they can even exercise during commercials.
Have fun. Think about the pastimes your client or loved one loves and expand upon them. When children visit, go for a long walk through the park. If your client or loved one gets tired of using the treadmill alone every day, sign up for a yoga class with a buddy whose company you enjoy.
Make contingency plans. Life events will sometimes interrupt your client or loved one’s normal schedule. While traveling, look for hotels with fitness centers. If it’s too cold to ride bikes outdoors, browse the public library for exercise videos for seniors.

Other Safety Tips

Talk with their doctor. If your client or loved one has been sedentary for a while, their doctor can advise them on how to get moving safely. No matter what health issues they may experience, there is usually some form of exercise that they can engage in even if there’s a need to modify the standard positions.
Learn to breathe. Proper breathing will help your client or loved one maintain good form. Generally, you exhale when you exert effort and inhale when you relax. So have your client or loved one breathe out when they lift something and breathe in when they lower it.
Drink plenty of water. The body needs water regardless of whether you’re sweating. By the time you’re thirsty, you’ve gone too long without drinking.
Wear the right shoes. Your client or loved one can exercise without spending a fortune on expensive equipment, but good shoes are worth the cost. Get protective footwear that’s designed for their chosen sport, whether it’s golf or tennis. If tying laces is a struggle, Velcro closures will give your client or loved one a secure fit.

Exercise is a great way for older adults to stay healthy and fit. Follow simple safety precautions so your clients or loved ones can remain active and enjoy the pastimes they love.

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3 Ways to Have a Conversation with Older Generations

By Roz Jones

Today I want to talk about having conversations with the elderly. Some people find it difficult or don’t know what to say to older people. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Whether you work or volunteer at a nursing facility, have an elderly neighbor who you want to get to know, care for an older loved one, or some other way you interact with the elderly, knowing how to have better conversations with them helps both of you thrive.

Senior members of the population are more prone to loneliness than other age groups. Weakened health, decline in physical mobility, and loss of driving privileges due to age all affect their ability to socialize. This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy company.

3 Ways to Have a Conversation with Older Generations

Ask open-ended questions. Ask about their family, for example. Encourage them to talk about their life. Seniors are a wealth of knowledge, filled with stories from decades of life experiences, funny stories, inspiring tales of courage, relationship stories, or even shocking things like wars or living in the Great Depression.

Sit down with them with their photo albums, music records, or recipes and travel back through time, encouraging them to tell their stories behind the images.

Try to find a quiet place that is relaxing and has few distractions. Turn off radios, televisions, and your phone. Be mindful of hearing challenges they might have. You may have to speak a little louder, slower, and more distinctly so they can understand your words. Be patient if they struggle to find the right words.

Use these conversation starters to help you build relationships with older generations.

What life experiences gave you the most happiness?
How did your military experience shape you?
Tell me about your friends growing up? What was school like?
What’s your view on ….?
Do you recall the types of clothing or popular hairstyles of your youth?
What was your favorite time of day when you were younger?

I’ve just launched Shop With Roz, my online store filled with supplies and gifts for every caregiver. You can find a wide variety of products in the store to help yourself and your loved one. Check it out here!

After you have a look through the store, see any products you use and love as a caregiver, and think we should share them with everyone? Let me know!

It’s here, I am so excited to share a new caregiver app called CircleOf….This app will allow you to surround yourself with resources and experts from your community including ME!!!! As you are looking through the app, you will see my familiar face. I’m excited about this partnership and new ways to support you as you support your loved one. Here’s the link so you can explore the app. I would love your feedback and spread the word by sharing the link to family and friends.

Visit http://www.rozjonesent.com for more information on addressing mental health as a caregiver and check out my upcoming book!