Most people who reach out to someone who is aging or ill make comments like:

“I’m always here for you.”                “I’m happy to help any way I can.”  

According to Tibi Ellis, president of Home Helpers, “Comments like these tend not to be effective because the burden of following up is on the person we want to help. People are often reluctant to ask for help as they don’t want to be a bother. Just because someone doesn’t ask for assistance does not mean he or she does not want or need help. Don’t wait for an invitation; instead put your words into action.”

People facing any type of life-changing or life-threatening health-related issue tend to need three types of support:  1.) Emotional, 2.) Informational, and 3.) Instrumental.

EMOTIONAL support is more about being than doing. It is relational. You can help by:  

1. Visiting someone, talking on the phone and sending cards and flowers. 
2. Participating in social events such as going shopping, out for dinner, or to the movies.
3. Being available to listen, watch TV, play cards, hold someone’s hand, and other expressions of friendship and companionship.
4. Asking someone questions that show you care. Often when we say “how are you?” the only answer we want is “I’m fine.” Many people will not open up and share what’s on their mind and heart until they believe you really care.

INFORMATIONAL support has to do with helping people become aware and gain knowledge that may be helpful now or in the future. You can be supportive by: 

1. Letting people know of resources you have found to be helpful (e.g. websites, books).  
2. Connecting your loved ones with others you know who have faced a similar situation. People with a similar disease are often “experts” in their own hopes, feelings, and concerns.  
3. Encouraging people to participate in a support group. Having an opportunity to connect with others who understand can often be encouraging.
4. Inquiring if you can help someone process information he or she may already have. Likewise, you might also offer to be a sounding board for a person to bounce ideas off of.

INSTRUMENTAL support involves hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).  Some ways you can provide tangible assistance includes:

1. Helping with grocery shopping and meals.  You might even coordinate a meal plan
2. Providing a ride to a doctor’s appointment, running errands or dropping off and picking up kids from school and other activities. 
3. Assisting with house chores such as taking out the garbage, running the sweeper, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, cutting the grass, pulling weeds, planting flowers and the like.
4. Arranging appointments and scheduling services.
5. Organizing someone’s mail and bills. 

What are some others ways you can be supportive to someone who is aging or ill?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

INDEPENDENCE – It’s priceless in more than one way!   

Las Vegas, NV (June 27, 2007) – Many people who have bravely fought in WWII to preserve America’s freedom are now struggling with their own independence; that is, the ability to live independently. A soldier that would have been 20 years old in 1940 is now 87, and is part of America’s fastest growing segment of the population.

Tibi Ellis, president of Home Helpers says, “the needs of adults age 85+ tend to be complex due to multiple chronic conditions” Many older adults that benefit from care provided in their home have come to recognize their own limitations and realize their independence is priceless.” 

It can take sickness for people to truly appreciate good health, the same is true for our ability to live and function independently. It is the times we become more dependent on others for help with daily living activities that we recognize and truly appreciate our own independence.

As the name suggests ‘activities of daily living’ have to do with day-to-day activities. These activities are fundamental to caring for one’s self and maintaining independence. ‘Activities of daily living’ are classified into two categories: independent living (IADLs) and personal care (ADLs). 

1- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money (writing checks, paying bills), shopping for groceries or personal items, maintaining a residence/performing housework (e.g. laundry, cleaning), managing medications, using a telephone, handling mail, and traveling via car or public transportation.

2- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are everyday personal care activities such as bathing – sponge, bath or shower, getting dressed, getting in or out of bed or a chair (also called transferring), using the toilet, eating, and getting around or walking. 

Physical or mental limitations may restrict a person's ability to perform activities of daily living. When a person has a limitation, he or she has an inability to independently perform one or more daily living activity. A three-part scale is typically used to determine the level of dependence (limitation or deficit) for each activity.

• INDEPENDENT – performs tasks without assistance 

• ASSISTANCE NEEDED - performs task with assistance from a human being or support device

• DEPENDENT – unable to perform tasks without assistance  

Ellis adds, “it is important to be aware of a person’s limitations with ‘activities of daily living’ for the following reasons:  

• Recognizing a person’s limitations is the first step to developing a care plan to provide the appropriate type and level of assistance.

• Determining the type of ADL care that is needed enables families to assign caregiver roles and become educated on how to perform care appropriately.

• Admission policies for Adult Day services, care communities and institutions often reflect ADLs to determine eligibility to participate in a program.  

• Long-term care insurance policies/programs often rely on ADL measures (the inability to do a certain number of ADLs) to determine whether an individual qualifies for benefits.”

Ellis says, “we encourage people to proactively seek assistance with daily living activities when life becomes more challenging. The more we can do to provide the care and support people need and deserve, the better able our clients are to maintain and maximize their independence and live life to the fullest. Making Life Easier^tm is more than a tagline for Home Helpers,

it’s our mission.”

Honor Mom, Know Her Wishes

Mother’s Day Tips to Help Families Discuss Care Needs

Las Vegas – Do you know your mom’s wishes should she be diagnosed with a chronic illness or face age-related challenges? As America’s population ages, many people are finding their Golden Years tarnished due to unanticipated medical problems.

This Mother’s Day when families gather to recognize and thank mom for her never-ending love and encouragement, it may also be time for adult children to recognize physical limitations or cognitive changes. A great way to honor mom is by taking the time to talk about her wishes should she need assistance with daily living activities. Chances are she will be more open to sharing her wishes before she finds herself facing an adverse health event that may threaten her independence. Whenever possible, plan ahead. It is a lot easier to carry out someone’s wishes when you know what they are.

If during a Mother’s Day gathering you come to realize mom may be struggling as a result of aging or illness, you might find the following tips offered by Tibi Ellis, President of Home Helpers to be helpful:    

Ask your mom to share her…

• hopes and wishes for retirement
• fears and concerns about growing old or becoming ill
• wishes should care become necessary  
• expectations of family members in terms of roles and responsibilities
• thoughts on purchasing long-term care insurance to help pay for care

• Express your concerns in a kind and gentle way.  For example, you might say “Mom, please let me know what your wishes are should you reach a point in life when care or assistance may become necessary. I can only honor your wishes if I know what they are.”
• Encourage her to proactively seek care and assistance. For example, you might say “Mom, I wish you would make a choice now instead of waiting for a crisis to occur and then having a choice made for you.”

Many families talk about news, weather and sports and avoid discussing matters which may be considered personal and private. With adult children often taking on the role of family caregiver and also providing financially for their parents’ care, there is value in being prepared.

Ellis says “in cases where mom is willing to accept needed assistance, it is often helpful to share the care responsibilities with an organization providing professional caregiving services such as Home Helpers. Due to family, work and community obligations, professional caregivers can help make life easier by assisting with activities of daily living. Professional caregivers can provide help around the house, assistance with transportation and errands, and offer companionship to help keep older adults engaged and active.” 

# # #

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation and great times outdoors. But for older adults, the warm weather can be very dangerous without taking the proper precautions. Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as they used to. Sometimes, older people may not even feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.

Thanks to some of the physical changes that happen as we age, older adults can't cool down as well as they used to. Sometimes, older people may not even feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high. They are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when they are almost dehydrated, which means that their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water.

Seniors must take the right steps to stay safe in the summer months. When temperatures hit between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, older adults and their caregivers should:
- Turn on the air conditioner or go where it's air-conditioned a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center, movie theatre, museum, or library, for example. (Fans aren't enough.)
- Drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don't contain alcohol or caffeine. Remember: If your urine is a light yellow color, you're drinking enough water. If it's darker yellow, you need to drink more.
- Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear hats.
Avoid:
- Staying in the sun for long
- Walking long distances, lifting heavy objects, or doing other strenuous things

Warning Signs of Health Problems Caused by Heat

Dehydration: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.

Heat stroke: A body temperature of or above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and passing out.

Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

If you or someone you're caring for start to show these warning signs, call your doctor or 911. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes, drink water or other clear drinks. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or use cold, wet compresses to help lower your body temperature.

Las Vegas, NV (April 2, 2007) – Celebrated each May, Older Americans Month is an opportunity to celebrate aging and to spotlight issues unique to the age 65 and older population. Established in 1963 by President Kennedy as Senior Citizens Month, it was renamed Older Americans Month in 1980 by President Carter. In line with the 2007 national theme of “Making Choices for a Healthier Future”, we highlight five choices common to older adults.

Tibi Ellis, President of Home Helpers Las Vegas says, “Each day we strive to Make Life Easier® for older adults and their family. All too often people struggle unnecessarily. From occasional help around the house, to providing care for people 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we offer the services and support older adults often need to maximize their independence.” We use the acrostic D.R.E.A.M. to highlight the five choices older adults can make for a healthier future.   

        D is for Dreams. Make every day count. Consider what matters most in life and brings you joy. Make choices that can turn your dreams into reality. Do what you can, while you still can, so you do not look back on life and think, “I should have…” or “I could have…”  It is never too late to accomplish your dreams and to be the person you might have been.  

         R is for Retire. The concept of retirement has changed significantly over the years. The new retirement may involve contributing time and energy on a part-time or full-time basis. For many people, paid employment may be a necessity to make ends meet. Others may volunteer their time as a choice to remain active and engaged. Retirement may be the opportunity to focus time and talent on activities directly related to hobbies and interests. Whatever retirement looks like to you, using your time and energy for either paid or volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose, contribution and connectedness.  

         E is for Encourage. Many older people choose to direct attention to their children and grandchildren. Increased availability and flexibility often provides older adults the time to engage and encourage younger generations. Share the wisdom you have gained over the years from trial, error and living. Encourage the ones you love. Share in life. Talk about things that matter most and that will leave a lasting legacy.

         A is for Adjust. Aging is a process of gradual change over time. While the sequence of change is similar, the rate at which we experience physical and cognitive changes tend to be quite individual often based on lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental factors. Many people face limitations that can make day-to-day living activities challenging. Older adults often face choices, such as how to cope with a chronic illness, when to stop driving, when to engage the support of family or professional caregivers to help with independently living and personal care, and more.

         M is for Manage. Maintaining control and managing one’s own life tends to be important, especially for a generation known for its independence and self-sufficiency. Often maintaining control over life involves sharing your wishes with family members and friends. It is much easier for family and friends to honor one’s wishes when they know what his or her wishes are. Therefore, we encourage older adults to write down and share their wishes with people who could be called upon to provide care or make decisions on their behalf. Also, seek the counsel of trusted advisors to make informed choices, manage assets and expenditures, and maximize quality of life.  

Ellis adds, “At Home Helpers we know that every life matters. Our hope is to provide the care and support our greatest generation needs and deserves, while at the same time honoring our clients’ wishes and celebrating their lives.” 

What Does Caregiving Entail?

When you hear the word ‘Caregiving', what comes to mind? We find many people under estimate what is involved in providing compassionate care. The type of support people most often think of includes personal care, general assistance, companionship, and help with transportation, meals and errands.

In addition to performing tasks, caregivers also serve in many different roles. Some of the more common roles include:

• ADVISOR - Offering recommendations to help a loved one identify potential challenges, talking about concerns, and considering alternatives that may help to maximize his or her independence and quality of life.
• ADVOCATE - Looking out for a loved one's best interests as an authorized agent (e.g. Power of Attorney), as a concerned family member, or caregiver. Helping to ensure the person you serve gets the information, care, support and treatment he or she needs and deserves.
• COORDINATOR - Arranging for services (e.g. professional caregiving, physical therapy, lawn mowing/snow removal, heating/air conditioning repair), scheduling appointments and coordinating deliveries.
• EVALUATOR - Assessing a loved one's ability to live independently, handle his or her own personal care, manage medications, operate a motor vehicle and more. Also, identifying and evaluating programs and services which might be appropriate, and that best match a person's needs and wishes.
• MEDIATOR - Helping family members and others to communicate, make decisions and resolve issues in a positive and helpful manner.
• PROTECTOR - Stepping in and taking charge when necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of a loved one.
• PROVIDER - Providing assistance when, due to physical or cognitive limitations, a loved one is not able to care for him or herself. Assistance often addresses the following type of needs:
• EMOTIONAL - listening and responding to concerns, providing encouragement and moral support, maintaining contact, and simply being there for someone.
• FINANCIAL - organizing bills, writing checks, balancing the checkbook, and providing money to help cover expenses.
• PHYSICAL - assisting with daily living including personal care, household chores, meals, driving, medication, etc.
• SPIRITUAL - helping people find meaning and purpose in life, maintaining hope, coping, and finding peace through prayer, meditation, and cultural and religious preferences.

Tibi Ellis, president of Home Helpers serving Las Vegas said "We know that as a result of aging, illness, injury or short-term disability, many people will require care and assistance with daily living. We feel privileged to serve many individuals and families." A lot of families are simply not able to provide the level of care that is needed due to work, family and community obligations. Tibi adds, "The trust families put in us each day is heartfelt."