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Community Resource: The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)

February 25, 2021 By Logan Aitken

Growing older can be a time of significant transition. A time that results in having to wade through unknown territory, some of which may relate to a change in your loved one’s living situation. The good news is that there are now organizations dedicated to helping this challenging time be, well, a little less challenging. One of these is the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

Who are senior move managers?

Senior Move Managers are professionals who assist in the downsizing or moving process for those who are elderly. They specialize in minimizing the moving trauma that plagues both those who are being moved and family members or loved ones involved in the moving process. In addition to addressing the emotional aspects of change, they also assist with the logistics.

When might you need a senior move manager?

There are many situations in which having a senior move manager can make a world of difference, and not all of them even involve changing homes. Just a few examples in which senior move management may be useful include:

Planning and coordinating a move to a smaller home or an assisted living facility. This includes hiring movers in addition to things like packing and unpacking boxes.
Downsizing possessions so a loved one can more easily move in with their family.
Evaluating and subsequently reducing home safety hazards.

Why are senior move managers important?

Just think about all the stress moving can bring when you’re young. Then consider how much more stressful this transition can be when the individual who’s moving has accumulated a lifetime of possessions, didn’t choose to move, or feels as though they’re losing their independence.

Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS) is something that has been found to affect people of all ages as a result of a move, including the elderly. RSS can negatively affect those in all moving situations, whether they’re transitioning to an assisted living facility or just a smaller, more manageable home. Those who encounter RSS may experience symptoms such as exhaustion, anxiety, or depression.

Minimizing RSS can be accomplished by utilizing senior move managers with a background in the following:

Involving the senior in decisions that will affect where they live and the move to this new location.
Maintaining the senior’s daily routine as much as possible throughout the process.
Ensuring the senior is comfortable and safe in their new space.

Why not take on the work yourself?

You may be asking, why do I need to hire someone to take on these tasks? Why can’t I just do them myself?

Well, there are a few things that may hinder your ability to do so, both practically and emotionally:

Often, family members are geographically dispersed across the country or even across the world. It doesn’t necessarily make financial (or any other type of) sense to relocate to your elderly family member’s area to take care of the tasks associated with downsizing or with a move.
A lifetime of belongings is not easily sorted through. Older adults have often collected countless sentimental items throughout the years. Items that hold meaning to you as well. It can be helpful to have an unbiased individual assist your family member in sorting through cherished memories.
You may be an older adult yourself. If this is the case, you might not have the physical stamina needed to pack and unpack a houseful of belongings. Even if you’re a young spring chicken, you may not have the time or energy! Moving is difficult work.

An elderly woman looking out of a window

Why should you utilize the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)?

The NASMM is a premier membership organization for senior move managers. Members must meet a strict set of requirements that ensure you don’t have to spend copious amounts of time filtering through potential candidates.

The NASMM is also an incredible knowledge base surrounding senior move management. They have resources such as a curated list of questions to ask when hiring a manager, a comprehensive guide to “rightsizing” and relocation, and a search tool you can use to find senior move managers in your area. To learn more about all things senior move management, visit their website.

For additional organizations, we think you may find helpful during this time of transition, visit our community resources page.

Senior Depression: Why Seasonal Depression Happens Around The Holidays

December 16, 2020 By Logan Aitken

Have you noticed a sadness in your loved one in the winter? Have they gained weight or been sleeping more than normal? Have you felt them pull away, expressing their desire to be alone?

Seasonal depression in seniors happens and is serious. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms while differentiating from the much more common occurrence of seasonal blues. Read on to learn how to do so.

How to Recognize Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Blues vs Seasonal Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression corresponding to a particular time of the year. For most people, symptoms appear in the fall and continue through the winter.

This type of depression is different from the common sadness many of us feel during this time. You may experience a change of mood in the winter caused by the weather being colder and the days being shorter. This phenomenon has been dubbed seasonal blues or winter blues.

As someone experiencing seasonal blues, it’s common to feel lethargic and gloomy. However, if these feelings hinder your ability to function regularly, you may be experiencing seasonal depression.

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

To help you spot signs of depression, we’ve gathered some common ones. Those with SAD may or may not experience all of the following symptoms:

Feelings of sadness for most of the day and on most days
Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Having trouble going to sleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling fatigued or irritable
Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Frequent thoughts about suicide or death

For SAD associated with the winter months, it’s common to see the following:

Oversleeping
Overeating leading to weight gain
A desire to be alone

Causes of Seasonal Depression

Environmental Factors

While environmental circumstances are not a direct cause of SAD, they build a foundation from which depression can result. Furthermore, the effects of these environmental factors can be intensified around the holidays. For seniors, these include the following:

Deceased family and friends
No longer being near family or friends
Loss of independence and having to rely on others to take care of basic needs
Financial stress

Geographic Location

Seasonal depression is experienced more commonly by individuals living further north. This is due to the days being shorter, resulting in fewer daylight hours. Additionally, the colder it is, the less likely one is to go outside to spend time in the sun.

Biological Causes

The scientific explanation for seasonal depression is not yet fully comprehended. However, studies have uncovered some information that gives us a glimpse into its biological causes.

Those with SAD may experience reduced serotonin activity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for helping to regulate mood.

Studies have also found that those with SAD may produce more melatonin than is typical. This hormone normally assists in maintaining sleep cycles, although too much can cause feelings of lethargy or sleepiness.

Disruption in either serotonin or melatonin can alter body rhythms, leaving affected individuals without a way to properly readjust. This can cause many of the behavioral and mood changes associated with seasonal depression.

How Seasonal Depression is Treated

Light Therapy

Remember how we discussed the fact that diminished daylight hours can play a role in causing SAD? One way this problem can be addressed is by participating in light therapy. This treatment exposes the individual to bright light every day in an effort to make up for those lost daylight hours. The light is created by special bulbs that mimic the sun’s rays.

Typically, the person will sit in front of a bright light box every day for between 30 to 45 minutes. It’s important this is done first thing in the morning, as this helps maintain the body’s regular cycle.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can be useful for identifying and altering unpleasant emotions or thoughts as well as the behaviors associated with them. This type of therapy can assist with the following:

Monitoring and recognizing emotions
Identifying strategies for dealing with stress
Determining a plan of action for periods in which the person recognizes their own negative feelings

Medication

Some individuals experience positive results by taking antidepressants. If you think this may be the right solution, talk with your loved one’s doctor. If they agree, you should also discuss which medication should be taken to limit side effects and what time of the year to begin taking medication.

How To Prevent And Monitor Seasonal Depression In Seniors

Use the Geriatric Depression Scale

The Geriatric Depression Scale is a 15-question self-report that can be used to screen seniors for depression. You can utilize the questions in conversation with your loved one to detect symptoms early on.

Plan Outings

Planning fun events in the winter can help seniors associate this time with positivity rather than dread or sadness. Additionally, encouraging movement such as walking will keep them physically active. Outings that get the person into sunlight may also make a significant impact on their well-being.

Give Them the Opportunity to Talk

Simply spending time talking with an individual gives them the opportunity to discuss how they’re feeling.

You should also understand that your loved ones may not feel comfortable talking with you if they have concerns about their mental health. Ensure they have someone to speak with, even if it’s not you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s phone number is 800-273-8255, and there are alternative options for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Let them know this resource is available 24/7.

Why Seasonal Depression Happens Around The Holidays

In summary, seasonal depression can result from the days becoming colder and shorter. However, this phenomenon is much more serious than the seasonal blues many of us feel during this time. To determine the difference, pay attention to whether these feelings are disrupting the daily life of your loved one.

If the person does have seasonal depression, there are various treatment options including light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication. To prevent and monitor seasonal depression, utilize depression rating tools in your conversations, plan fun outings, and give them the opportunity to express their feelings.

If you have questions about seasonal depression or believe your loved one may be experiencing it, reach out to us. While navigating this path may seem intimidating or scary at first, we’re here to support you.

How Do I Determine If I Need Home Care Services?

October 15, 2020 By Logan Aitken

Determining whether to utilize a home care service can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to think about when deciding if this is the right choice for you. To make this decision a little easier, we came up with a list of reasons why home care services can be beneficial to you or a loved one.

When Everyday Tasks Start Becoming Difficult

Everyday tasks and housework shouldn’t be a burden. If it is becoming an issue to complete chores around the house, it might be time to look into home care services. At Kind Hearts Senior Care, our team provides help with light housework, such as sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and much more. Not being able to maintain a clean household could result in an unsanitary and dangerous environment.

Family And Friends Are Taking Time Out Of Their Schedule To Make Sure You’re Ok

It is important to keep your loved ones close, but relying on them to always take care of you can put a strain on your relationship. At Kind Heart Senior Care, we offer an online portal for families to receive daily updates from their most recent at-home care service. This will allow family members to keep updated and well-informed throughout our visits. An at-home care service will allow a more stress-free environment for you and your family members.

Regularly Falling Or Difficulty Walking

Safety should be a top priority when it comes to debating whether you are ready for home care services. If falling or difficulty walking is a recurring issue, it might be a sign that extra help is needed. At-home care services provide extra help around the house to prevent falling or exhaustion. It is important to be safe with daily activities and not overworked. If falling or walking is becoming a problem, it might be time to look into home care services.

Forgetting To Take Medication

For most, medication is a very important part of a daily routine and it is important to remember when to take it. With at-home care services, forgetting to take medications will not be a problem. Our staff sets reminders when it’s time to take medication and the specific medication you need to take. According to Aging Care, 55% of the elderly don’t take their medication according to doctor’s orders. Through Kind Hearts Senior Care, we make sure medication is taken on time and the right amount of medication prescribed.

Difficulty Running Errands And/Or Driving

Home care may be needed if it is unsafe to get behind the wheel for simple errands. If easy errands, like going to the grocery store or driving to appointments, start becoming a problem, it is best to start looking into home care services. Our services provide transportation to and from errands, as well as running them if needed.

If you feel that the time is right for you or a loved one to have home care services, contact us today, or visit our website for more information.

What Services Are Provided With Home Care?

April 30, 2020 By Logan Aitken

Home care services provide a wide variety of care. However, since each person is different, their home care needs are also different. At Kind Hearts Senior Care we utilize an assessment process that allows us to custom tailor our services to meet an individual’s specific needs. We base our assessment on terms of care, types of care, light housekeeping, personal care, errands and transportation, and companion care.

Terms of Care

The terms of the care we offer, are customized to best meet the needs of each individual. These plans can be full or part-time. They can be home visits or live in. Our plans have low minimums and can be either temporary or long term depending on each person. We work with individuals’ needs and budget to come up with the best solution for them.

Types of Care

The type of care each person needs also varies. We specialize in a wide variety of care types, so each person can be best-taken care of. We offer in-home Alzheimer’s care, in-home Dementia care, in-home Parkinson’s care, and in-home Stroke victim care. We also can provide respite care for family, to give other caretakers a break. If the individual needs overnight care or supervision, we offer stay away overnight care. We can provide 24/7 care and live-in care as well. Whatever a person’s needs are, we should be able to help.

Light Housekeeping

Light housekeeping is a service of home care that many people need and utilize. Even if a person is capable of housekeeping, they don’t always have the energy. We can help, so a person can better focus their energy on more important things. Some of the housekeeping tasks that we provide are dusting and picking up, vacuuming and sweeping floors, cleaning the kitchen and dishes, organizing closets, changing linens, doing light laundry, ironing, and light bathroom cleaning.

Personal Care

Personal care is often put aside when a person is struggling with their day-to-day. Our home care services can provide help with personal care, which in turn keeps a person healthier and happier. Some of the items we help with are showering, grooming, dressing, help with transfers, and medication reminders.

Errands & Transportation

Getting out of the house can be a difficult and sometimes impossible task when alone. Our services can help with errands or provide transportation, so the individual can still go on with their daily life. Some of the areas we can help with are getting groceries and other shopping needs, picking up prescriptions, and going to a movie, play, or other events. We provide dining out for meals, handling dry cleaning, home maintenance, and attending religious or spiritual services.

Companion Care

Finally, the last but not least of our tailored services is companion care. Companionship is important for all people and can help an individual stay happier and healthier. Some of the ways we offer companionship are by helping plan and prepare meals, cooking together, playing games and puzzles, providing pet care, answering phone calls, reading mail, or organizing closets. Overall, we will offer companionship, so our home care plans feel like a friendship.

Every client is unique. They have individual needs and wants. Because we offer so many different services, we can adjust our plans to best suit the individual. Learn more about our assessment process or schedule an appointment. Here at Kind Hearts Senior Care, we are always happy to help and answer questions.

Why Home Care is Important

February 10, 2020 By Logan Aitken

An elderly person and younger person holding hands

Homecare is a great way to get personalized and compassionate treatment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 40.4 million unpaid caregivers of adults ages 65 and older in the United States. Many of those caregivers are also juggling their own jobs and personal responsibilities. Caregiving can be overwhelming and difficult. For many people, home care is an affordable and safe option to ensure their loved ones get the support they need. Here are some specific reasons why in-home care is important to the wellbeing of our loved ones.

Home Care Professionals Can Be There When You Can’t

A loved one in need of senior care may live thousands of miles away. You may be separated by cities, states, or countries. It is not always possible to physically be there. A trained and qualified professional can offer help when needed, giving you peace of mind when you can’t be there in person.

Day-To-Day Activities Stay The Same

Home Care services allow seniors to get the personal care they need while maintaining the activities of their daily lives. Things like showering, grooming, and dressing help can improve the enjoyment and safety of regular day-to-day activities.

At Home Access To Skilled Nursing Care

Home care can ensure your loved one’s complex medical needs are being met. Our caregivers at Kind Hearts Senior Care are professional, reliable, and friendly. We do extensive background checks. All our caregivers have access to our exclusive Certified Companion Aide (CCA®) and Certified Hospice Companion Aide (CHCA®) programs. You can trust our caregivers to perform their duties with professionalism and dedication. They will help your loved ones maintain independence and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Support With Nutrition And Diet

Aging, bedrest, injuries, and illness can contribute to the loss of body mass and nutrition deficiency. Staying healthy is important can be hard to maintain for many aging adults. Home care can help your loved ones plan, prepare, and cook meals, to help prevent malnutrition and ensure your loved ones are maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Managing Medications

Presciptions are often confusing, and when there are multiple medications needed to be taken, it can be easy for an aging adult to miss or mess up a prescription. A home care professional can ensure the right medications are being taken at the right times. This helps control health conditions and prevents harmful, and sometimes dangerous, drug mishaps.

Caring Companionship

Social interaction is a huge factor in aging adults staying healthy. Our caregivers can be a caring companion to your loved one, by aiding in errands, playing puzzles and games, attending church, the movies, or dinners out, going on walks, attending to pets, and other companionship methods. Having a trusted friend is beneficial to your loved ones.

Help With Light Housework

Not maintaining a house can quickly turn a living environment into a dangerous situation. Home care can help with the daily demands of housework by doing tasks such as dusting, picking up, vacuuming and sweeping, cleaning the kitchen, changing linens, laundry, and bathroom cleaning. These daily chores help maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

Home care can help individuals live safer, healthier, and happier in the comfort of their own home. Home care services are unique to the individual. They provide meaningful, one-on-one personal care. Strong bonds are often formed between the professionals and your loved ones. To learn more about our home care services, visit our website, and contact uswith any questions or concerns you may have. We want to be here to provide the support your loved ones need.

8 Home Care Benefits

September 16, 2019 By Logan Aitken

Known as “independent living”, “non-assisted living”, or the most common, “aging in place”, growing older without having to move to a healthcare environment is becoming increasingly popular. Home care is more than a nurse visiting. It can support an aging adult living at home by helping with their daily activities. Things such as housekeeping, chores, personal care, companion care, errands, and transportation. The services of home care are completely customizable. Each client can get the best service for themselves. There are many benefits of home care, and at Kind Heart Senior Care, we make sure each client’s needs are being met. Here is our list of eight benefits that home care provides.

1. Comfort

One of the main reasons families choose home care is so their loved one can stay in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Being in your own home provides comfort, and is what a majority of seniors want. According to the AARP, “nearly 90 percent of people over age 65 indicate they want to stay in their home as long as possible, and four of five in that age bracket believe their current home is where they will always live.” Home Care can help you or a loved one stay at home for as long as possible.

2. Personalized

Home Care offers personalized service plans

Every person is unique and has individualized needs. Home Care services can help meet these needs by providing personalized service plans. At Kind Heart Senior Care we can help with a wide variety of tasks. We specialize in various services such as Alzheimer’s care, Dementia care, Parkinson’s care, and more. Even if you or your loved one is comfortable taking care of themselves at home, our services can help. With companionship options, transportation, and more, we can improve their quality of life.

3. One-On-One Attention

Like a personalized plan, Home Care services provide one-on-one attention to the individual. This is often missed in other healthcare services. It is huge in helping extend and improve quality of life. Individualized help allows our nurses to understand each person and provide the best service for them. This can reduce anxiety and stress for both the senior and their family.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Home Care Services are generally less expensive than other forms of care. Since there is so much flexibility in the available services, and time of day, our plans are flexible with budgets. In general, home care costs only one-tenth as much as hospitalization and only one-fourth as much as nursing home placement to deal with comparable health problems.

5. Independence

No one want’s to completely give up their independence. This is why home care services can be so beneficial to seniors. By staying at home, you or your loved one can still keep their independence and live life normally. They can still choose their own schedule, decide when they want to eat, sleep, and socialize, and keep control over many aspects of their life. This helps preserve their dignity and maintain a high quality of life.

6. Companionship

Since home care services are so personalized, nurses and clients often form bonds. Aging adults stay happier and healthier with social interaction, and home care provides that. Besides our medical services, we also offer companionship services. These include playing games, puzzles, watching movies, attending events and services, reading, walks and other social activities. All these services can provide companionship.

7. Pet Ownership

Pets are a part of the family for many people, but, they often get neglected when an aging adult’s health starts to decline. With Home Care services, we can help take care of pets, so their companionship is still enjoyed. According to AgingCare, pets reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and have a positive effect on symptoms of depression and loneliness. They are an important part of many people’s lives and are important to take care of too.

8. Improved Quality of Life

Home Care creates an improved quality of life

By adding home care services to their daily life, aging adults will no longer have to deal with their personal struggles. Since each plan is personalized, the activities that are the most difficult for the senior will no longer be an issue. This helps relieve stress and anxiety, making for an improved quality of life.

/The benefits of Home Care make it a great choice for many seniors. With the ability to keep their independence and live a higher quality of life, many aging adults choose to age in place instead of moving to a different type of healthcare facility. Here at Kind Heart Senior Care, we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to contact us or visit our website for a list of services we provide.