Our Caring Homecare Staff

This post is dedicated to our amazing staff who we think are the finest team for home health care in the Conway, Wolfeboro, Wakefield, NH, and Sanford, ME areas. This post serves two purposes.

1 . It gives us opportunity to boast about this truly amazing team of caregivers, and 2. We'd also like to let them know how much they are appreciated. We do our best to make them feel appreciated and to let them know they are valued, but putting it here sort of carves it in stone for all the world to see. 

First: Their care for their clients is of the highest standard

they:

• Give their clients family peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are cared for.

• Work long tiresome hours

• Sleep away from home (and their family) at times to care for clients through the night

• Are willingly woken up on those nights by clients needing their assistance (some nights numerous times)

• Work holidays so their clients are not unattended

• Perform tasks many people would not be willing to perform

• Treat their clients with a high level of dignity and respect

• Perform little "extras" in the clients home to let the clients know they are appreciated and to put a wow in their clients day

• and so much more

Second: They care for each other.

In the homecare field it would be very easy to establish the "I'm an island" mentality as more often than not, the caregiver is working alone in the clients home with the client. They are not with other caregivers or staff. Yet I hear comments on a regular basis which reveal the level of care these caregivers have for one another, for their team. When one of them is offered a shift and she says "I can do that shift but why don't you offer it to so and so, I know she could use the work", that is team spirit, it is a type of caring which is of the heart and can not be faked. It is a care which is reflected in their care for their clients. It also shows when one of our caregivers goes out of her way to drive a lunch to a fellow caregiver whom she knows took on a spur of the moment shift. I want you all to know those things are noticed, not only by us in management but by our clients and their families, and those things all add up to the awesome team you are. 

To read what our home health care clients and their families think about our caregivers please see our page of testimonials.

Thanks For All You Do!

Spreading Christmas Cheer in the New Hampshire Lakes Region

Two of our resident elves were caught in the act of spreading Christmas cheer recently. Be on the lookout for this colorful duo, they may just be making a stop at a location near you. 

It will never cease to amaze me when I see a seniors eyes light up from a simple "wow" being added to their day. These moments of delight are a big part of what we do here at Abundant Blessings Homecare and it's those smiles that make my day. 

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Gift Ideas for Seniors / The Elderly

The holiday season is upon us once again. I love the holiday season. I love the festivities, the decor and especially the memories made with family and friends.  But along with all that merriment, comes the sometimes difficult to answer question about what to give to those on your Christmas gift list. Often, the gifts most difficult to choose are those intended for the elderly. To help you this Holiday Season, I have compiled a list of suggestions and ideas.

Your gift choice will depend upon a number of factors: is the recipient in a nursing home or other facility?, is the recipient active?, what hobbies does the recipient have which they may be having difficulty enjoying due to physical limitations or other restrictions?, Does the recipient drive? Thinking through these and other questions can help point you in the right direction for a gift choice.

Gift certificates are always appreciated gifts. However, if you choose to give a gift certificate as your gift, it is a nice idea to give something with it, for example, if you give a car wash gift certificate, put it in a small basket with a car fragrance item, maybe a travel mug and other car related goodies. Be creative. A gift card is a nice gift but it becomes even more special when it is given with a bit more thought and creativity.

Please note, we are not affiliated with any of the companies which we have provided links to, nor are we paid for suggesting the products or websites. We also are not endorsing any particular brands or products. This list was compiled for your convenience and to give you ideas and suggestions. 

Following are some gift ideas:

For driving seniors:

• Car Wash Gift Certificate

• Oil Change Gift Certificate

For seniors with vision problems:

• Large Print Playing Cards - like these, maybe include a card holder with these - like this

• Large Face Clock or Large Number Digital clock, this page has many choices of both kinds

• Large Button/Easy Use Remote Control - like this

• Magnifier - this page has lots of options

For seniors with hobbies:

• Wheeled Gardening Seat - like this, or this, include with this a nice set of gardening gloves and maybe some seeds or bulbs.

• A bird feeder with bird seed (installed and refilled regularly!), with this include a field guide, and a journal to record who visits the feeder.

• Magazine Subscription to hobby related magazine

• Audio Book related to hobby

For elderly with physical limitations:

• Install or pay to have grab bars installed in the bathroom

• Large foam handled utensils - like these

• Key Turners - like this

General Gifts for Seniors

• Grocery Store Gift Card

• Stationary and Stamps

• Puzzles

• Pocket Shawl - here's one

• Warming Footies - these are nice

• Coffees/Teas/Cocoas

• Favorite Candies

• Gift Certificate to Salon

• Crossword Puzzle Books - why not put this with some fun crossword puzzle merchandise like this or this

• Lap Desk (the ones with storage are nice) here's some

• Paper Shredder (the elderly are susceptible to fraud)

• Non Slip Shoe Covers - these from Yak Trax are great

• Warm Socks

• Nice Mittens / Gloves

• Silk Scarf

• Audio Book

• Schedule a visit with a therapy dog

• Schedule a massage (some will even go to their home)

• Subscription to Netflix

Gifts of time for seniors:

• Offer to set up (and take down) Christmas decoratioons

• Make small meals in freezer containers

• Baked goods made in small individual size pans

• Give the gift of a day or a few hours or work around the house, the yard etc.

• Play their favorite game with them, scrabble is often a favorite

• Take the time to make a puzzle together

I hope this list gives you some ideas or at least gets you started in the right direction.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

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Things to Consider When Hiring a Home Healthcare Agency

We understand that providing care for a loved one can be stressful. Shouldn’t hiring home healthcare services help relieve stress, not add to it? The following list was compiled to help you when hiring. First there are a few things you should consider, following that is a list of question to ask a potential agency.

Things to consider:

1. Reputation:  Ask around. Ask your hospital discharge planners about any agency you are considering. Ask doctors, nurses, etc. Many of these places will even provide you a list of agencies to consider. It also wouldn’t hurt to stop by a senior center to ask around, or inquire at government services such as NH’s ServiceLink. Ask specifically about more than one agency for comparison purposes.

2. Check out their website: The agency’s website should be thorough, informative and professional.

3. Ask to have information sent to you. Any reputable agency should have brochures and other materials available for you to look at. These materials which will give you insight into the company, should answer some of your questions and should appear professional and well thought out.

Questions to ask a home healthcare agency:

1.Is your agency licensed by the state? The states of New Hampshire and Maine require homecare agencies and NH requires independent caregivers to be state licensed.

2.  Will you take care of all required payroll paperwork for my parent's caregiver and are your caregivers all employed by the agency?

The states of New Hampshire and Maine both consider you an employer if you independently hire someone to work in your home. There is a large amount of paperwork involved in being an employer which covers such matters as taxes, Social Security, workers comp. and disability. One benefit of hiring an agency is that an agency normally does this for you. Still, it never hurts to double-check, agencies do exist who use independent contractors as caregivers.

3. Do you conduct drug testing on your caregivers?

The states of New Hampshire and Maine do not require drug testing for home healthcare workers. Many homes in which home healthcare services are provided contain controlled substances, therefore we believe drug testing should be a vital part of the hiring process for any home care agency.

4. What kind of background check do you conduct on your caregivers?

Having peace of mind that your loved ones are in good hands is vital when hiring home healthcare services. The state of NH requires criminal background checks but not motor vehicle background checks. We believe motor vehicle background checks to be important because often home healthcare workers provide transportation for their clients.

5. Are your employees insured and bonded? 

The state of NH requires insurance of homecare agencies, but not bonding. However, insurance does not cover theft, bonding does. Also, not all liability insurance is the same, you could even ask the agency for a copy of their policy or ask what their liability insurance covers.  

6. What types of pre-hire screening do you conduct on your employees.

You should find out as much as possible about an agency’s hiring process before hiring them. All Abundant Blessings Homecare employees are required to complete an online screening prior to hire.This screening was put together by a third party and it tells us a lot of information about a potential employee. Through this screening and our other hiring procedures we are able to maintain our standard of excellence and only hire the best.

7.If at any time my loved one needs more hours of care (ie: 24 hour a day), or if a caregiver should call in sick do you have the staff for coverage?Any agency you hire should have enough staff to cover these situations should they arise.

8. What is your policy regarding sending a caregiver to my parents home whom my parents have never met?It is not safe for an elderly person to be answering the door to total strangers. An agency should have a policy in place regarding the meeting of new caregivers.

9. What kind of supervision do you provide?Once a caregiver is placed in your loved ones home, ongoing supervision of the caregiver needs to be provided.

10.What kind of service agreement is required? What are your minimum number of hours?

11. What is your method for tracking a caregivers arrival and departure from a clients home?The agency should have a system in place for this.

12. What are your hours of operation, how are phone calls handled during odd hours?

13. Do you provide a written plan of care which clearly describes any rates and fees?The state of New Hampshire has requirements which must be on the plan of care. The plan of care should be thorough and well explained to your family.

14. How soon can you start services?

For a printable version of "Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Homecare Agency" click here.

Medication Management for Seniors

Get a fact sheet of this article

As we age it is  common to have an  increased need for daily medications. It is typical for seniors over 65 to be taking 5 to 6 different medications per day. Almost 20% of elders (65 years or older) take 10 or more   medications.(1) For seniors, the management of medications can be a challenge. Remembering to take medications, which ones, and when is often too overwhelming for them to handle on their own.

              In addition to seniors, it is reported that nearly 75% of all Americans do not take their medications as prescribed. Improper medication management at home causes approximately 125,000 deaths per year, and 10% of all hospital admissions are medication related. For those over 65 the number escalates, 30% of hospital admissions are directly related to non-adherence of prescribed medication. Many seniors have family members who help with their medication regimen. This often includes filling medication reminder devices or pill dispensers. These dispensers can range from highly sophisticated electronic devises to simple Sunday through Saturday plastic holders. Filling them is one thing, knowing when to take the medications, and remembering to take them is another.

What can be done to help with this problem? At Abundant Blessings Homecare, Inc. we have seen the problems with medication management in many different situations. We have adopted a plan of action we would like to share and recommend. This plan is listed below.

1. Best practice is accountability. To have a caregiver with you to prompt and remind you to take your medications at the appropriate time and to document is ideal. This person can be a family member or a private duty homecare aid. The key is to have someone there anytime medications are to be taken.

2. Utilization of automated medication dispensers. There are many manufacturers offering programmable dispensers which will alarm (both visual and/or audible) when it is time to take medications. One even alerts a call center which in turn calls the client and/or up to three people if the medications are not removed from the dispenser after a set amount of time lapse. The limitation to these dispensers is that they need to be filled weekly. We have reviewed many dispensers of this type and are now selling at a discount and recommending various models from MedReady, Inc. which can be seen and purchased at our website.    http://www.abundantblessingshomecare.com/medication-dispenser/

3. For any situation which leaves seniors living a distance from family, or when there is no one to fill medication dispensers on a weekly basis, we recommend bubble packs or blister packs. These are available from many pharmacies in the area. They consist of clear little pouches containing each day's pills, sorted according to the day of the week and time of day they should be taken. Bubble Packs are filled and

sealed by the pharmacy and all medications which are to be taken at any given time are together in one pouch. Bubble packs help eliminate confusion as to when and what pills to take. No one needs to fill a weekly dispenser; the bubble pack acts as a prefilled dispenser. A caregiver may still be needed to remind and prompt. Studies indicate that One 14-month study indicated that patients' medication compliance had risen from 61% to 96%.

4. If none of these suggestions are taken, we would  recommend at minimum utilizing basic weekly Sunday through Saturday medication dispensers. These can be obtained at any pharmacy. They are very simple to use, yet help tremendously with medication compliance.

One last consideration is regarding safety and theft prevention. Often seniors have many service people working in and around their homes, from Home Health Care Nurses, Physical Therapists and Home Care Aids, to landscapers and cleaning companies. Our policy with our Clients is that any medications not in use or in a dispenser must be locked up. In some situations, even family members may be tempted to steal certain medications. Locking them up prevents theft, deters misuse and eliminate any pointing of blame when medications are missing. If you would like to talk to us about help with your or your loved ones medication management we are available 24/7. Anyone who is considering altering their medication management, or that of a loved one, should consult with their physician first. As health care reform progresses, the goal is that clinicians will share medication management responsibilities following the patient-centered medical home model of care.(2)

(1)        Boyd CM, Darer J, Boult C, Fried LP, Boult L, Wu AW. Clinical practice guidelines and quality of care for older patients with multiple comorbid diseases. JAMA. 2005;294:716-724.

(2)        Feldstein AC, Smith DH, Perrin N, et al. Improved therapeutic monitoring with several interventions. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1848-1854.

Reducing Hospital Re-admissions Through Homecare

Get a fact sheet of this article

A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine (1) found that 19.6% of fee-for-service Medicare patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and 34% go back into the hospital within 90 days. The calculated cost of avoidable readmissions is $17.4 billion and rising. Starting in 2013, Medicare will level penalties to hospitals based on readmission rates. Hospitals therefore are devising strategies to lower their readmission rates.

The Wall Street Journal ran a story of a Massachusetts Hospital which put into place in-home visits to help reduce readmissions.

The plan worked, yet cost the hospital a considerable amount to fund and run the pro-gram.(2) Rehospitalization not only causes increased costs to the hospital and Medicare, the stress and emotions that entail can delay and extend recovery to the patient and certainly affects the patients family.

Hospitals are increasing their referrals to home-care during discharge planning. Homecare agencies such as Abundant Blessings Homecare, Inc. can be a nurse assis-tant for the patient at home and can help with a variety of things to keep the patient healthy. These services can be provided 24 hours a day or as little as 3 hours a week. Homecare can help with home safety, prevention of slips and falls; care and prevention of bed sores; making sure medication is taken, assisting with at home exercises which PT instructed at discharge, and many other beneficial services. One study showed front-loading home care ser-vices to increase the number of visits in the immediate posthospitalization period proved to be effective in de-creasing rehospitalization rates for patients with heart fail-ure by 39.4% (3).

We recommend the hospital or discharging facility partner with the homecare agency during the discharge process to help the patient make a smooth transition home.

The Care Manager will meet with the Social Workers and patient prior to discharge to design a plan of care. Together with the discharge team and family, decisions can be made as to what is needed for homecare services, hours of service, and ways to pay for services. By reducing the chance of the patient being re-hospitalized the value of homecare will be worth any cost involved. Individuals living alone without home care services are much more likely to be readmitted to the Hospital. As the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

(1) http:\\commonwealthfund.org/Publications/in-the- Literature/2009/Apr/Rehospitalizations-Among-Patients_in-the-Medicare-Fee-for-Services.aspx "Rehospitalizations Among Patients in the Medicare Fee-for-Service Program," by Stephen Jencks, M.D., M.P.H., Mark V. Wil-liams, M.D., and Eric A. Coleman, M.D., M.P.H., New England Journal of Medicine, April 2, 2009.

(2) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124873545269485081.html#project%3DHEALTHTIMELINE0907%26articleTAbs%3Darticle

(3) Rogers J, Perlic M. Madigan EA. The effect of frontloading visits on patient outcomes. Home Healthcare Nurse. 2007:25(2):103-109

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How Seniors Can Become Safer Drivers

According to AAA (American Automobile Association), “Experts agree that driving ability generally begins to deteriorate at age 55.” Of course, everyone is different, but certain physical limitations like decreased neck flexibility (see AAA Foundation’s brochure with driving-specific flexibility exercises) and deteriorating eyesight begin to surface at about that age. It is common for people to feel that their many years of driving experience qualifies them to be better drivers, and drivers in their 50s and 60s actually do have lower crash rates compared to other age groups.  However, research shows that crash rates increase as drivers approach age 70 and certainly increase after age 75. 

Organizations like AAA and AARP provide senior drivers and their families access to various tools to evaluate current driving abilities. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety offers a survey online for drivers to measure their own performance on the road. Drivers 65 Plus: Check Your Own Performance is a 15-question survey that gives a driver immediate feedback about whether or not driving is still a good idea. An added benefit to this survey is the detailed list of suggestions that is generated in relation to the individual’s answers, which helps drivers make adjustments to become safer drivers.

AARP offers online and classroom driver safety courses for seniors. Their curriculum covers topics like minimizing dangerous blind spots, monitoring your own driving abilities and those of other drivers, the effects of medications on driving, and the importance of eliminating distractions. You can locate a class in your area at the AARP website.  Click here to locate an AARP class near you. 

How do you know when it’s time for you or a loved one to consider a driver safety program? You don’t want to wait until an accident has happened, especially one that could have been prevented with a few safety precautions. 

CarFit Program – Make your car safer.

CarFit is an educational program that offers advice on improving your car’s safety.  Created by the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, CarFit shows seniors how well their cars “fit” them and what changes they can make to the car for a safer fit.

Examples of CarFit’s 12 key areas which improve road safety include: 

1. Mirrors – Knowing how to properly adjust car mirrors can greatly minimize blind spots when changing lanes.

2. Pedal position – Good foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals can decrease fatigue and increase reaction times.

3. Distance from the steering wheel – Drivers run the risk of serious injury if they are sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel.

Drivers can download an informational CarFit brochure with helpful hints for safer driving. Click here to download.

Or, find a CarFit event near you where professionals will assess you and your vehicle.Click here to see a list of CarFit events.

AAA notes these as signs of diminished capacity for driving safely:

• Having a series of minor accidents or near misses.

  1. Having wandering thoughts or being unable to concentrate.

  2. Being unable to read ordinary road signs.

  3. Getting lost on familiar roads.

  4. Having other drivers honk at you frequently.

  5. Being spoken to about your driving by police, family, and friends.

At the time you or a senior loved one experience any of these signs, consider learning more about becoming a better driver through one of the many quality senior driving programs. Seniors can keep themselves and others safe by learning more about how to drive on the roads today. 

An added benefit of taking a senior safety driving course is that many insurance companies will offer discounts to seniors who have completed a course, thereby reducing insurance premiums. Check with your insurance company for the safe driving programs they recognize for senior discounts.

Senior driving is such an important issue that researchers at theAgeLab at MIT University are spending time and money to know more about what senior drivers are truly encountering on the road. They are using two devices to study senior driving and the risks involved with natural aging, disease, medication, or other conditions. “Miss Rosie” is a Volkswagen Beetle that is equipped with instruments to measure a driver’s physical attributes like spinal mobility and required strength while operating a vehicle. “Miss Daisy” is a vehicle simulator with sensors attached to the accelerator, brake and steering wheel. The driver receives feedback about their visual, auditory and kinetic responses to highway, rural, urban, and desert driving situations. Both machines help researchers and the driving industry understand what the senior driver is faced with and can develop effective senior driving programs, therefore lengthening the time that senior drivers can stay behind the wheel.

If a senior loved one in your life is at the point where it may be unsafe to be behind the wheel, be sensitive. Having a driver’s license is more than just the ability to drive a car; it is also a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Most people do not give up the right to drive willingly, even if he or she would agree that driving has become more difficult. To begin the conversation, one method is to share a story of, “someone you know whose older loved one has….” You can finish this sentence in a way that lines up with your situation: been in many accidents, or who caused injury to themselves, or had their insurance rates increase because of these incidents. The AAA and AARPwebsites also offer suggestions on how to begin conversations with senior loved ones about their driving.

By the year 2025, senior drivers will make up 20 percent of the driving population (Bloomberg News, 2010). In November 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), for the first time in its 40-year existence, studied safety issues for older drivers.  NTSB may use its findings to recommend car or road designs that would be safer for aging drivers and may even address medical-related issues for licensing drivers who have limitations because of dementia. With so much attention focused on driver education and promoting safer driving for seniors, senior drivers can take advantage of opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe on the road and driving longer.

This article by The Society of Certified Senior Advisors

For a downloadable version of this article click here.

Upcoming Seminars For Seniors and Caregivers

Join us at two upcoming seminars for Seniors and Caregivers of Seniors and the Disabled

(click here to print a flyer)

Both Seminars will be held at:

Mineral Springs Care and Rehabilitation Center
1251 White Mountain Highway
N. Conway, NH

Both Seminars are Free but Registration is reguired. Please call (603) 473-2510 to register

Legal and Financial Planning in Eldercare   May 24, 2012  

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

This seminar will cover topics such as Legal Issues and Answers, Durable and Medical Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Personal Care Agreements, Health Care Proxy, Financial Issues and Answers, Protection of Assets, Paying for Long Term Care and much more.

We will be joining Deborah Fauver, Elder Law Attorney, and Anthony Cloutier of Cloutier Estate and Financial Strategies to bring you this seminar.

From Hospital to Home   June 28, 2012

        6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Transitions of Care to Regain Your Independence for Successful Aging

This seminar will cover topics such as: Keys to successful rehabilitation, Transitions of Care to reduce rehospitalization, Family Caregiving and Advocacy, Home Safety Issues and Answers, Home Medical And Safety Equipment, Alzheimer's and Dementia, Determining When It It Time for a Nurshing Home, Avoiding Stress and Burnout and more.

Home for the Holidays - Article for Families Coping with Alzheimer's

For an excellent article by the Alzheimer's Association click the following link to open a PDF document.

This article, written for those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease, is full of ideas and suggestions to help during the holiday season.

Home for the Holidays

Alzheimer families and the holidays

The holidays are a time when family and friends come together and share memories, laughs and good cheer. But for families living with Alzheimer’s, the holidays can also be a difficult time.

Caregiving responsibilities layered on top of keeping up with holiday traditions can take its toll on Alzheimer families, especially the caregiver. The person with Alzheimer’s may also feel a sense of loss during the holidays.

With some planning and adjusted expectations, your celebrations can be filled with joy and magical moments to cherish forever.

Adjust your expectations
No one, including yourself, should expect you to maintain every holiday tradition or event.

• Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage

• Choose holiday activities and traditions that are most important to you

• Host a small family dinner instead of a throwing a big holiday party

• Consider serving a catered or takeout holiday meal. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer meals to go.

• Start a new tradition. Have a potluck dinner where family or friends each bring a dish

Involve the person in the festivities
There are many manageable activities the person and you can do together, such as:

• Wrap gifts

• Bake favorite holiday recipes together. The person can stir batter or decorate cookies.

• Set the table. Avoid centerpieces with candles and artificial fruits and berries that could be mistaken for edible snacks.

• Talk about events to include in a holiday letter

• Prepare simple foods such as appetizers

• Read cards you receive together

• Look through photo albums or scrapbooks. Reminisce about people in the pictures and past events.

• Watch a favorite holiday movie

• Sing favorite carols or read biblical passages

When the person lives in a care facility
A holiday is still a holiday whether it is celebrated at home or at a care facility. Here are some ways to celebrate together:

• Consider joining your loved one in any facility-planned holiday activities

• Bring a favorite holiday food to share

• Sing holiday songs. Ask if other residents can join in.

• Read a favorite holiday story or poem out loud

from the Alzheimer's Association

Drop by and say Hello at the Senior Health and Wellness Expo

Stop by this Friday, October 28th, at the American Legion Hall at 94 Eastern Avenue in Rochester, NH.

We will have a booth at the Senior Health and Wellness Expo and would love to have you visit.

Hope to see you there.

Abundant Blessings Homecare provides home care services for Maine and home care services for NH

Upcoming Programs for Those Affected by Alzheimer's or Dementia

If you have a familly member or loved one who is struggling with memory loss or other symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia, we have two dates to give you which you might want to mark on your calendar. We know that when a loved one is affected by Alzheimer's Disease it can be overwhelming for the family caregiver. There are many details to work out regarding their care. With this in mind, we have partnered with the Alzheimer's Association and Attorney Thomas Torr to offer you these programs. The Programs are free, preregistration is necessary.

1.  Thursday Oct. 27th: Getting Started. This class will address such issues as: how to get a diagnosis, addressing behavior and communication problems, how to find local resources and much more. This program will run from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Auditorium 3. A light dinner will be available and registration is required.

2.  Thursday, November 17th:  Alzheimer's Disease Legal and Financial Issues and Answers. This class will address such issues as: wills, durable power of attorney, protection of assets, health care proxy, what medicare will and won't cover and more. This program will run from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in the Salmon Falls Room. A light dinner will be available and registration is required.

To register please call the Alzheimer's Association at: (603) 606-6590

For more information, click on following links to open PDF

Getting Started (Thursday October 27th) (PDF)

Alzheimer's Disease Legal and Financial Issues and Answers (Thursday November 17th) (PDF)

Back in Time at the Gibson Center

Believe it or not, not all of life around here is about homecare and health and wellness. It is a good practice to be well rounded and enjoy some things that are "just for fun". We believe your passions and hobbies are part of what make you, you. We try to discover and encourage such things in our clients. So, in keeping with that belief one of our staff and her daughter recently spoke at the Gibson Center in N. Conway to share some about their hobbies and passions. Their talk was on "The Daily Life of the 1800's Farm Wife". In addition to learning about what the day was like for a Farm Wife in the 1800's, there was opportunity to try weaving, spinning and even an opportunity to meet Tilly the goat.

Join us at the Gibson Center in N. Conway

Join Abundant Blessings Homecare tomorrow at 12:15 at the Gibson Center in N. Conway, NH for a talk on "Healthy Eating after 50". Tom, who has a background in Nutrition will be presenting.This is always a popular talk.

Wheelchair Beautification Month

Hey everyone, it's wheelchair beautification month and to celebrate, we've put together a contest for you.

So grab your scrub brush, your streamers and some decorations and get ready to dress up and beautify your wheelchair. Send in a photo of your beautification project and you may just be the winner of one of three gift baskets. There will be a first, second and third prizes. If you want more information, you can find all the details here.

Home Safety Month - Home Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Because June is Home Safety Month, we though it might be a good time to make available our Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. This document is something which we provide to our home care clients and we thought it would be a helpful resource for family caregivers.  Click here if you would like to download a PDF version of the following article. It is also available in the "Home Care Resource Library"

If you would like more information and resources on Home Safety Month visit the website for the Home Safety Council.

Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults

KEY SAFETY TIPS:

• · Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone

• · Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up

• · Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can’t get up

FLOORS:  Look at the floor in each room.

1.  When you walk in a room, do you have to walk around furniture?  If yes, ask someone to move the furniture so your path is clear.

2.  Do you have throw rugs on the floor?  If yes, remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.

3.  Are papers, magazines, books, shoes, boxes, blankets, towels, or other objects on the floor? If yes, pick up things that are on the floor and keep objects off the floor.

4.  Do you have to walk over or around cords or wires (cords from lamps, phone, or extension)?  If yes, roll up or tape cords/wires next to a wall so you can’t trip over them.  Consider having an electrician put in another electrical outlet.

      STAIRS & STEPS:  Look at the stairs you use both inside and outside your home.

1.  Are papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs or steps?   Pick up things on the stairs, and keep objects off the stairs.

2.  Are some steps broken or uneven?  Fix the loose or uneven steps.

3.  Are you missing a light over the stairway?   Have a handyman or electrician install an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs.

4.  Has the stairway light burned out?  Have a friend or family member change the light bulb.

5.  Is there only one light switch for your stairs (either top or bottom)?  Have a handyman or electrician install a light switch where it is needed.  Consider a switch that glows in the dark.

6.  Are the handrails loose or broken?  Is there a handrail on only one side of the stairs?  Fix loose handrails or put in new ones so they are on both sides of the stairs and as long as the stairs.

7. Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?  Make sure carpet is attached to every step or remove carpet and put in non-slip rubber treads on stairs.

       KITCHEN:  Look at your kitchen and eating area.

 1. Are the things you use on high shelves?   Ask friends or family to place things on lower shelves or cabinets (about   waist high).

  2.  Is your step stool unsteady?  Get a stool with a bar to hold on to, not a chair.

BEDROOMS:  Look at all your bedrooms.

 1.  Is the light near the bed hard to reach?  Place a lamp close to the bed.

 2.  Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?  Put a night-light so you can see where you’re walking. Consider night-lights that go on by themselves after dark.

       BATHROOMS:  Look at all your bathrooms.

1.  Is the floor in your tub or shower slippery?  Put in a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips.

 2.  Do you have some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?  Have a handyman put in grab bars next to and inside the tub, and by the toilet.

 OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT FALLS

1.  Regular exercise makes you stronger and improves balance and coordination.

2.  Have your doctor/pharmacist look at all your medicines, even over the counter medicines. Some medicines can make   you sleepy or dizzy and some should not be mixed with others.

3. Have your vision checked at least once an year.  Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.

4. Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.  Some medicines/conditions can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy with quick position changes.

5. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and avoid slippers and athletic shoes with thick soles.

6. Paint a contrasting color on the top front edge of all steps, so you can see the stairs better.

7. Improve the lighting in your home by using brighter bulbs.  Use lamp shades to reduce glare.

8. It is safest to have uniform lighting in a room.  Add lighting to dark areas.  Hang light weight curtains to reduce glare from bright windows and doors.

Abundant Blessings Homecare provides home care for NH and home care for Maine

Summer Safety for Seniors

Summer has finally arrived here in New England. With summer comes days of high temperatures which can be dangerous to seniors and others who are affected by the heat. So as you enjoy the long lazy days of summer, remember to take precautionary measures to protect those you love from heat related illness. The following is an article from the Red Cross website with tips on helping seniors to beat the heat.

"Summer Safety & Preparedness Guide for Seniors

As our bodies age, skin and fat tissue, the body's insulators, tend to thin. Because of that change, seniors regulate temperature less efficiently, putting them at greater risk than others from heat-related health problems. Signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion are less pronounced in seniors, who:

• Tend to perspire less than younger people—so their bodies don"t shed heat as easily as they once did.

• May lose some of their sense of thirst and not feel thirsty until severe dehydration has set in.

• May take high blood pressure and heart disease medications that remove salt and fluids from the body. These medications, coupled with heat, can cause a senior to become dehydrated—leading to confusion, organ damage and even death.

The following tips can help seniors beat the heat.

• Slow down. Strenuous activity in extremely hot weather adds strain to the heart. If you must be active, choose the coolest part of the day—usually between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

• Take regular breaks when engaging in physical activity on warm days. If you think that you, or someone else, show signs of heat-related illness, stop your activity, find a cool place, drink fluids and apply cool compresses.

• Stay cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, spend time at an air-conditioned shopping center, senior center, library, movie theater, restaurant or place of worship.

• Plan outdoor activities in the cooler early morning or evening hours

  • Stay in the shade. A covered porch or under a tree are good choices.

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and umbrella to protected yourself from sun overexposure

  • Use U/V skin protection

• Stay cool in your home. If you must be at home without air conditioning:

  • Stay in the coolest part of the house—usually the lowest floor.

  • Close curtains or shades on sunny windows to keep out heat and light.

  • Use portable and ceiling fans, and/or battery-operated hand-held fans and misters.

  • Install outdoor awnings or sun screens.

  • Use wet washcloths or ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth to pat your wrists, face and back of the neck.

  • Take cool baths or showers.

• Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat. Sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and vegetables are good choices.

• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. Wear a hat or use an umbrella as well.

• Discuss with your doctor how medications and/or chronic conditions may affect your body's ability to manage heat.

• Take the heat seriously. Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, fatigue, clammy skin, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.

Frail seniors who live alone should be looked in on often during hot weather by family members, neighbors or friends."

Source: nyredcross.org

Healthy Eating over 50

March is National Nutrition Month and we've been busy with speaking engagements on the topic of healthy eating and nutrition. If you'd like to read on this topic you can find the links to some of the handouts below.

Healthy Eating over 50 

Healthy Eating Questions and Answers

If your organization needs a speaker to speak on the topic of nutrition, just give us a call, Tom has a degree in nutrition and dietetics and is available for speaking engagements.

I can assure you that in hearing this talk you are bound to learn some new information and you won't be bored. This is presented in an exciting, participatory manner, complete with interaction and prizes.

Did you know that Abundant Blessings Homecare offers meal preparation and diet monitoring services? Our caregivers can help in these areas as well as many others, see our Homecare Services page for further information.

February is Heart Health Month

In honor of Heart Health Month we've put together a few Heart Health related links for you. Take the time in February to learn about heart healthy living but don't be overwheled by the information you find. Simply choose a few habits for you and your loved ones to begin on the path to a heart healthy lifestyle, then put those few habits into practice this week. Choose a few more habits for next week and so on, then you'll be well on your way to a heart healthy lifestyle.

1.  28 Days to a Healthier Heart  This great resource on the Spark People website is a downloadable calendar with activities for every day of the month of February which will help you to develop heart healthy habits.

2.  Heart Healthy Valentine Tips  From the American Heart Association, a list of ways you can celebrate Valentines Day in Heart Healthy style.

3.  Heart Health Crossword Puzzle  A little something for fun and for learning about heart health. You'll need to click on "make crossword puzzle" towards the bottom of the page.

4.  Heart360®  By the American Heart Association, Heart360® is a convenient and secure location for you to track and manage your heart health. Record your health data with our online trackers, access additional information and resources on how to be heart healthy, and even share your results with your provider.

5.  Healthy Heart Word Search Another link just for fun.

6.  Heart Healthy Diet  A resource from the Mayo Clinic with dietary guidelines for a healthy heart.

7.  Heart Healthy Recipes  A collection of heart healthy recipes from the Mayo Clinic. This is a very thorough collection of recipes which includes, beverages, appetizers, breads, desserts, main dishes, sauces and so much more.

8.  More Heart Health Recipes  Another great resource for heart health recipes. These are from eatingwell.com.

Family and Friends, Familiar Smells, Nana's Apple Pie....

...The Blessings of Home.

Founded on a belief in old fashioned values, Abundant Blessings Homecare can help you or your aging loved one be blessed by remaining in the safety and comfort of home.

Watch for our "Blessings of Home" apple spice cards with a packet of apple pie spice mix inside. When you receive the card and packet of spice mix, why not bake up an apple pie and bring it to a senior in your life and take the time to reminisce with them about the "blessings of home".

If you would like to receive a free apple spice card and information about Abundant Blessings Homecare, call or email us today.

(603) 473 - 2510 

info@abundantblessingshomecare.com