Hallmark Homecare South Charlotte

02/06/2024

💡 What is recreational therapy? Here's the answer and its 4 powerful benefits for aging loved ones 😀

February is National Recreation Month! Let’s explore the transformative power that recreation therapy holds for our aging loved ones.

This holistic approach to healthcare focuses on using recreational activities to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being, offering aging adults a path to rediscover joy, purpose, and connection.

1️⃣ Physical Health 💪

Engaging in activities such as gentle exercises, yoga, or swimming can improve flexibility, strength, and overall cardiovascular health. These activities also contribute to better balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and promoting independent living.

2️⃣ Cognitive Stimulation 🧠

Recreation therapy incorporates activities that stimulate the brain, such as puzzles, games, and creative arts. These activities not only provide mental challenges but also contribute to memory retention, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function.

3️⃣ Emotional Health 🤗

Recreation therapy provides opportunities for socialization and emotional expression. Group activities, outings, and even pet therapy can foster a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall emotional well-being.

4️⃣ Improved Quality of Life 😀

By engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities, aging adults experience a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment. This can lead to increased motivation, self-esteem, and a positive outlook on life. 💗

As we embrace February, we not only celebrate the month of love but also recognize it as National Recreation Month. What could be a more fitting occasion than this to delve into the impact of recreation therapy on the lives of aging adults? Let’s explore the transformative power that recreation th...

01/30/2024

5 types of activities and 20 examples for aging loved ones with dementia.

This guide invites you to explore a variety of engaging activities that reignite joy, bolster cognitive health, and nurture emotional tranquility for seniors with dementia.

1️⃣ Creative
🎶 Playing music
🎨 Art
💗 Crafts
👐 Collages

2️⃣ Fulfilling
👚 Folding laundry
🔧 Minor do-it-yourself projects
👐 Untying knots
♠ Puzzles
🎴 Board or card games

3️⃣ Technology-based
🏞 Discovering nature and art through live streams
🌍 Venture globally with Google Earth
👀 Family video tablet

4️⃣ Reminiscent
🎞 Classic movies and TV shows
🎵 Listening to familiar music
🖼 Looking through old photo albums
📰 Reviewing old magazines or newspapers

5️⃣ Sensory
👃 Familiar smells
👐 Familiar objects
😋 Familiar foods
👐 Feeling diverse textures

Each of the above activities can be tailored to enrich the lives of dementia-affected seniors within the loving confines of their own homes.

Source: Amanda Lundberg, RN, family medicine expert

01/15/2024

❤️🖤💚 Today we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose tireless efforts for equality and justice continue to inspire us.

💡 Let's reflect on his teachings and work towards creating a world that embraces diversity, love, and understanding.

01/14/2024

394 caregiver applications despite a shortage of qualified caregivers? Here’s how. 🤔

The wages caregivers make as agency employees are often too low. As independent caregivers, they can earn a livable wage.

The independent caregivers we match tend to make $2-4 per hour more than agency caregivers...and our low overhead model achieves this while saving clients money. It's a win-win!💲

Additionally, caregivers appreciate greater control over their schedule. The compassionate caregivers in our registry approve or decline each match proposed. It has to be a fit on both sides to be set up for long-term success! 😀 😀

01/05/2024

Being a family caregiver is a rewarding yet challenging journey. It's OK to seek help! 🆘

😥 Caring for a family member is a role that often goes beyond just providing love and support. It can also weigh heavily on your own physical health, financial stability, and emotional wellbeing. 😟

👏 Let's recognize and applaud the selfless and life-changing efforts of family caregivers nationwide!

Also, consider seeking help! 😅

With assistance from professional caregivers, you can:
☮ Find peace of mind 🧠
👴 Focus on cherishing moments with your loved one 👵
⚖ Balance other priorities like children and work 🚸 💼

Click below to get directly matched with a fully vetted, experienced, insured, professional, independent caregiver at an affordable rate!

Hire a Private Caregiver to Provide In Home Senior Care (Homecare) in South Charlotte, NC. Professional Caregivers, More Control, Affordable Costs. Call 980-202-2224

12/31/2023

Let's ring in the new year! 🎉🎆🎈🙌🥂📆🎇🎊

12/29/2023

While enjoying year-end time together, don't miss the signs an aging loved one may need support. Click to see the top 10 🔦🧠

What are some signs that your loved one may be becoming more vulnerable and requires more assistance? Here are the top 10 things to look for: Safety concerns: Falls or near falls are the most serious warning sign. Watch for bruises or other signs, since seniors might be too embarrassed to share the....

12/26/2023

Wishing a merry Christmas to those who celebrate! May the festive season fill your hearts with warmth, joy, and gratitude. 🎄🎅

12/20/2023

Happy holidays! 🤝🎉🎄🙌🕎🥂🎈🎊🎁💗

12/09/2023

Wishing a happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! May the Festival of Lights illuminate your days with happiness and togetherness. 🕎✨

11/17/2023

👴 🦃 Consider these six impactful ideas as you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with aging loved ones. 🦃 👵

As the crisp autumn air and vibrant leaves signal the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones. 🍂

For older adults, Thanksgiving holds a special significance as it offers an opportunity to share stories, create memories, and express gratitude for the moments that have shaped their lives. 🤝

Let’s explore ways in which we can celebrate Thanksgiving with our aging loved ones, making the holiday meaningful and memorable for all. 💗

And now, the six ideas...

As the crisp autumn air and vibrant leaves signal the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones. For older adults, Thanksgiving holds a special significance as it offers an opportunity to share stories, create memories, and express gratitu...

10/17/2023

💡 5 tips to care for a loved one or client with dementia, if they become aggressive.

Many are aware that older adults with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be forgetful or struggle cognitively.

But many may not be aware that the disease can also present in the form of verbal or physical outbursts. Such behavior is particularly common in the late afternoon and evening (“sundowning”).

Click the article below from Tyria Council, a Certified Nursing Assistant and former caregiver, to get the helpful tips for family and professional caregivers.

Many are aware that older adults with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be forgetful or struggle cognitively. But many may not be aware that the disease can also present in the form of verbal or physical outbursts. Such behavior is particularly common in the late afternoon and evening (.....

10/12/2023

👟 Is your older loved one exercising in a potentially dangerous manner? 6 tips to keep them safe. 💡

1️⃣ Choose the right activities
Seniors should exercises appropriate for their physical condition and fitness level. Low impact activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can be great.

2️⃣ Start slowly
It's important not to overexert or ramp up too quickly. Begin with short, manageable sessions and increase gradually.

3️⃣ Incorporate strength training
Strength training can help maintain muscle mass and bone density. Try resistance bands or light weights.

4️⃣ Stay hydrated
Dehydration can be more dangerous for seniors, so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.

5️⃣ Listen to your body
Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort and adjust your routine accordingly. Rest when needed and avoid pushing through pain.

6️⃣ Warm-up and cool down
Always start with a gentle warm-up and finish with a cool-down to prevent injury and reduce muscle soreness.

🧘‍♀️ Exercise is a vital component of a healthy and fulfilling life for people of all ages, and it’s especially important for seniors.

✅ Let's make a commitment to helping our older loved ones exercise in a safe manner.

As we age, it’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. The temptation of lounging in a comfy chair or taking it easy can be strong, but maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for the health and well-being of seniors. Here we will explore the many benefits of exercise and provide tips for agi...

10/11/2023

💡 7 surprising stats on the impact of Alzheimer's and dementia at home and work.

💗 We love helping family caregivers:
☮ Find peace of mind 🧠
👴 Focus on cherishing moments with their loved one 👵
⚖ Balance other priorities like children and work 🚸 💼

We do this by directly matching their loved one with a fully vetted, experienced, insured, professional, independent caregiver at an affordable rate!

Click here to learn more: hallmarkhomecare.com/104

10/10/2023

🌍 💚 It’s World Mental Health Day! Here are two impactful ways you can be a positive force:

1️⃣ Awareness 🧠
Did you know that one in five adults in the US battles mental health issues each year? Let's break the silence, foster understanding, and support one another. Awareness is the first step towards creating a compassionate community.

2️⃣ Destigmatization 💗
Let's erase the stigma by promoting open conversations and fostering an environment where seeking help is not just encouraged but celebrated. Together, we can create a culture of acceptance and understanding.

👴 Connection to older adults 👵
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to loneliness. Many lack the social connections necessary to thrive.

👁 Think about older loved ones desiring to feel seen and heard. You can make a difference in their lives today! 👂

10/06/2023

🔦 New research indicates higher risk of dementia with lower activity. 3 key stats.

1️⃣ 10 hours of inactivity per day is the tipping point for higher risk (8%).

2️⃣ Above 12 hours, risk increased by 63%.

3️⃣ Above 15 hours, risk increased by 320%.

💡 The study doesn't prove inactivity causes dementia. It provides evidence of a linkage, which needs to be better understood.

🚶‍♂️Caregivers can help older adults safely increase daily activity.🚶‍♀️

Reach out to us today to get directly matched with a fully vetted, experienced, insured, professional, independent caregiver at an affordable rate!

TUESDAY, Sept. 12, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Bolstering the notion that a strong body equals a strong mind, new research indicates that the more inactive seniors are, the higher their risk for dementia.The finding stems from a look at the onset of dementia among nearly 50,000 Brits.All were at least....

09/26/2023

Bruce Willis's wife Emma opens up about his dementia. Four insights below from her Today interview.

1. Self-awareness 🤔

Is Bruce aware? "It's hard to know," she said.

2. Family disease 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

"Dementia is hard," Emma Heming Willis said on TODAY. "It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is."

3. More than just memory 🧠

“It can affect speech, behaviors, personality and what we call executive functioning,” Dickinson said, referring to skills that help to plan ahead and achieve goals. Dickinson is CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

4. Care for the caregiver 💗

Emma said she calls herself a "care partner," rather than a caretaker. "It’s important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care partner for the person they’re caring for," she said. He's taught their two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, traits like "love, patience and resilience."

Heming Willis joined TODAY for an exclusive TV interview since her husband's diagnosis was made public in honor of World FTD Awareness Week, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.

09/14/2023

💧The three reasons seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration? 😓

Why is water so important? 🚰
Water is essential to almost all bodily functions from lubricating our joints to pumping blood to our heart.

Why are seniors more vulnerable to dehydration? 👴👵
1. Lower appetite and thirst 🥛
Though the bodies of older adults may crave fluids, their minds don't prompt eating and drinking as much.

2. Body composition changes 😓
Older adults' bodies change composition as aging occurs. One result is less water retention.

3. Medications 💊
Seniors are more likely to take medications that increase dehydration risk.

Is this a significant issue? 🔦
A recent study found that up to 40% of elderly people may be chronically dehydrated.

How do I know if a loved one might be dehydrated?
If urine is pale and clear, the individual is likely well-hydrated. If urine is dark colored, the individual may be dehydrated.

How much water is needed to stay hydrated? 🌊
As a general rule, you should take one third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids daily. For example, a 120 pound person should drink about 40 ounces of water each day.

Do you drink enough water? If so, what are your tips to stay hydrated?

What creative ways have you found to encourage your elderly loved ones to stay hydrated? ℹ

Please click this helpful National Council on Aging article, from which the above information was pulled, to learn more.

Are you drinking enough water? Find out why hydration is so essential to vibrant good health—and get tips for including more fluids in your diet each day.