Kind Hearts Senior Care

Kind Heart Senior Care

Community Resource: Memory Matters Utah/Nevada

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Acting as a caregiver for an individual with dementia is a daunting task. Every day, you will experience challenges, most of which you’ve never faced before. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you don’t have people around you who truly understand the role you’re playing.

Memory Matters Utah/Nevada is an organization working to help those experiencing dementia, and their caregivers. Serving the communities of southern Utah and southeastern Nevada, this nonprofit strives to provide education and support. 

Memory Matters Utah/Nevada is led by individuals with a true passion for helping those navigating the difficult path of dementia, and many of its staff members have acted as caregivers themselves. 

Two People On A Beach Overlooking The Water

Services For Individuals With Dementia

Early Stage Memory Loss Series

The Early Stage Memory Loss Series is a 10-week course. It was created to serve as an educational resource for both those in the early stages of dementia as well as their primary care partner. 

The series is offered twice a year, beginning in February and September. Each class covers topics such as financial preparation, stress management, and even brain training exercises. 

A donation of $25 is suggested, but costs are covered for those unable to afford the series on their own. For a sample of past sessions, visit their website.

A Senior Person Holding A Colorful Stress Ball

Memory Activity Club

The Memory Activity Club is a group for those in moderate stages of dementia. Through meaningful activities related to topics such as art, music, and poetry, attendees strive to improve their cognitive abilities. These activities exercise the brain without feeling like work.

Apart from working on cognitive function, those with dementia also have the opportunity to build friendships with individuals who face the same challenges they do. Many caregivers have found their loved one to have a positive change in outlook and attitude from regular meeting attendance.

The Memory Activity Club doesn’t just benefit those with dementia, however. It also offers a reprieve to caregivers taking care of their loved one. Meetings are four hours long and include snacks, lunch, and activities. They’re held three days a week and cost $35 per class. 

Services For Caregivers

Private Caregiver Consultations

Memory Matters Utah/Nevada offers two types of consultations: Memory testing consultations and care consultations.

Memory testing consultations offer clients a cognitive assessment. Once completed, the results can be used to talk with your loved one’s doctor. 

Care consultations are open to both caregivers as well as other family members. Topics such as coping, strategies, and options for care may be discussed. The consultant can assist you in creating a care plan for your loved one, and they can also help you adjust this plan as the disease progresses.

Kitchen Table Set

Support Groups

A variety of support groups for caregivers are held in southern Utah and Nevada. Currently, support groups are active in St. George, Kanab, New Harmony, and Mesquite. These groups are held at various times and days of the week, and they repeat either weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

These groups are free and open to the public. View the support group calendar on their website.

Frontal-Temporal Dementia Support Group

In collaboration with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Memory Matters Utah/Nevada holds a quarterly support group helpful for those caring for someone with frontal-temporal dementia. This group meets in the St. George area and is free to the public. It is facilitated by an individual with personal caretaking experience of a loved one with FTD.

Back Of Woman's Head While On Phone

Good Morning Sunshine Telephone Reassurance Program

The Good Morning Sunshine Telephone Reassurance Program gives caregivers who live alone extra peace of mind. For these individuals, they are their loved one’s sole lifeline. If something happens to them, the person they care for could be in danger.

The program connects caregivers to trained volunteers who call them each day at a convenient time. If the caregiver doesn’t answer or if there is an immediate need, their emergency contact will be sent to check on them.

Whether it’s the person experiencing the effects of dementia or the person taking care of them, all involved need educational and emotional support. Memory Matters Utah/Nevada is an excellent source of this support for those in southern Utah and southeast Nevada. For more organizations, you may find helpful, visit our community resources page.

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

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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).

Senior man sitting alone on a bench

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.
Senior woman washing a vegetable

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.
A window with black shutters on a house

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

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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?

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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?

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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

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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.