Tips For Keeping our Seniors at Home

Here at Senior Helpers-Burnsville we strongly believe in the importance of keeping our loved ones independent and at their own homes for as long as possible. According to the Center For Disease Control, many of the accidents and falls in homes involving seniors have been easily prevented but are often overlooked. We have put together a few tips that may help keep your loved ones safely living at home independently for as long as possible.

Eliminate Hazards— There are many household hazards that may result in a senior’s inability to remain at home. Walk through your loved one’s home and get rid of anything that could pose threat to their independence. Get rid of throw rugs as they are a fall risk. Keep clear pathways and eliminate clutter, especially around the floor. Hide all cords/wires or tape them down so they do not trip anyone. Keep bathmats in showers and bathrooms to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Check smoke detectors regularly and change batteries when needed. For more information on eliminating hazards in the home check out: CDC Home Fall Prevention or InterNACHI Home Safety.

Assisting Devices— Some seniors may need additional help from assisting devices in order to remain independent at home. Suggest that your loved one have a walker or cane to keep from falling if they are unsteady at times. Install stair hand-rails, grab bars and shower/bathroom devices, and invest in a life-line alert system in case your loved one is home alone and falls and needs immediate help. These devices are great to have to prevent accidents and falls, and some may help if your loved one falls and cannot get up.

Provide Help— There are services that you and your loved ones can utilize to ensure safety and independence at home. Senior Helpers – Burnsville can provide the necessary cares for your loved ones to keep them at home. We can provide as little as one-hour visits all the way up to 24/7 care. Does your loved one need help with running errands, transportation, light housekeeping, and med reminders? We have great companion caregivers who can come to their home and assist with those. We also have trained and licensed caregivers who can provide more hands on care if needed. These services include but are not limited to: showering, bathing, dressing, hygiene assistance, walking, feeding, etc. These services allow for your loved ones to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.

These tips may seem small, but they can make all the difference. Eliminating hazards in your loved one’s home is a great step toward independence for them. Utilizing assistive devices can also help them remain at home safely and can help prevent falls and accidents from occurring. If you feel your loved one may need additional help throughout their everyday life, there is the option of in-home care. This allows for your loved ones to remain at home and independent while receiving the cares and help that will ensure they stay that way. If you have any questions about the services that we can provide for your loved ones, please contact us at: 952-892-8403.

 

Helping Seniors Stay at Home

July is the month of independence. We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend! With the topic of independence, it is the perfect time to discuss helping keep our seniors at home and as independent as possible. No matter how old we are, we always strive for independence. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re independent and able to do a lot on your own. Nobody wants that feeling taken away. With in-home services, seniors can stay at home and still feel the accomplishment of being independent while still receiving help that is catered to their needs. We have put together a few different ways that we can help keep our seniors independent at home.

Companion Care— Companion care is a great option for seniors who are still independent with their own personal cares but may need a little extra help around the house. We offer services for our clients who may need some help with activities that include: light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, transportation, running errands, and more. We can provide these cares based on their needs and as often or as little as they’d like.

Personal Care— Some seniors who want to remain at home may need additional help with their personal cares. For our clients who need help with more personal cares, we have specialized, trained caregivers to help in-home. Our caregivers can help with: showering, bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, transferring, exercising, and more! We can provide these cares as little as one hour all the way up to 24 hours a day!

Peace of Mind Visits–If your loved one is still very independent and may not need very much help with companion care or personal care, consider a peace of mind visit. Our peace of mind visits allow for caregivers to come visit with them for an hour increment to help with meal preparation, medication reminders, showers, light housekeeping, errands, etc. This will allow for a “peace of mind” for you and will ensure your loved one is still able to remain independent at home.

Senior Helpers offers many services to help keep our seniors independent and at home. We specialize our care plans to their needs. Our goal is to always keep them happy and safe while remaining as independent as possible in their own homes. Celebrate this month of independence by helping your loved ones remain independent at home. If you have a loved one who could benefit from services provided by Senior Helpers-Burnsville, give us a call at: 952-892-8403.

Celebrating the Fourth of July Safely

The Fourth of July is just around the corner. All of us at Senior Helpers – Burnsville wish you a safe and happy holiday! We want everyone to have a great time celebrating the Fourth of July this year, so we decided to put together a list of a few different ways you can enjoy the holiday safely! 

Healthy Eats— We all know that the Fourth of July comes with some incredible feasts and festivals. Although it is fun to indulge, try and make the best diet decisions this holiday. Opt for bringing healthy options to a party so you won’t feel obligated to snack on anything unhealthy. Watermelon is great to keep everyone hydrated and is a great snack. Another great snack is hummus and vegetables. This will satisfy everyone’s dip and chip craving with a whole lot more nutritional value! Also, watch your water intake. You want to make sure to stay hydrated during this holiday too. So much of your day will be spent outside, and you want to make sure that you are drinking enough water and fluids to replenish what you lose in the heat. 

Safe Sun–With a lot of fourth of July activities taking place outside, it is very important to practice sun safety. According to the Center for Disease Control, the sun’s rays can be damaging in as little as 15 minutes of exposure, so there are a few things you want to keep in mind when spending time in the sun. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, wear a hat to protect your face and ears, and apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, and you should reapply throughout the day. Find more information on sun safety here: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm#sunscreen. You’ll want to definitely practice safe sun exposure with small children and senior citizens. Taking the proper precaution will be beneficial to everyone in the long-run.

Fireworks–It’s hard to celebrate Independence Day without fireworks! They are symbolic to this holiday. When celebrating the fourth with your loved ones, it is important to practice safety precautions, especially around fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is when they are put on by professionals. Check out the fireworks in Waconia, MN this year during “A Taste of Minnesota” from July 3rd to July 6th. Normally, this is held in St. Paul, but due to flooding it has moved to Waconia this year. Find more information at: http://www.atasteofmn.com/. If you are able to, It is a good idea for seniors and those with sensitivities to loud noises to wear ear plugs while watching the fireworks. Fireworks can be very loud and can be damaging to hearing. Bring some ear plugs along just in case someone needs them. 

If you or a loved one need assistance with companion or personal cares over the holiday, give us a call at: 952-892-8403. We have trained and licensed caregivers who can be of assistance to you and your loved ones from 1 hour-24 hours a day! Again, we wish you all and wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

Celebrating Father’s Day In Minnesota

Father’s Day is coming up this Sunday, June 15th! This is the perfect time to show our fathers how much they mean to us! There are many different ways we can show the fathers in our lives that we appreciate everything they do. Below is a list of a few different ideas and activities you can do to create some great memories this Father’s Day!

Festivals–This weekend, take him out on the town! There is a lot going on this weekend in the twin cities area. The Stone Arch Bridge Festival will be around June 13th to June 15th. It’s a great place to stroll around and view local artwork, listen to live music, and enjoy good food. There is even a Father’s Day Car Show! Find more information here at: 

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Local Dining— Who can have a family holiday/get-together without food involved? This Father’s Day treat your loved ones to a great local meal! As a Minnesotan, it is practically a requirement to experience the “Juicy Lucy”. If you have a burger-fanatic on your hands, head on over to the 5-8 club to enjoy an authentic Juicy Lucy where it was first created! Find out more information on hours and location here: http://www.5-8club.com/minneapolis.html. Some restaurants in the south metro have brunch specials this upcoming Sunday so check them out!

Family Outings— Weather permitting, getting outside and being active is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day! Take the fathers in your lives out for a group golf outing. If you want to be outside to enjoy and observe nature, head over to the Minnehaha Falls! This a wonderful place for sight seeing and it sure will intrigue those you bring along! Check out more information on the location, hours of operation, and parking here:

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There are other fun places to venture out to in the summer weather. You could check out a local zoo, museum or art center. Check out the Walker Art Museum and Statue Garden in Minneapolis to stimulate your creative sides. No matter what you do as a family, getting out together you all are sure to have a great time!

Make this Father’s Day meaningful by putting some effort into making the fathers in your lives feel appreciated and loved! No matter what you do or where you go, letting them know how much you appreciate them and how much you care about them is the most important part of this holiday. All of us at Senior Helpers – Burnsville hope you all have an outstanding Father’s Day weekend! If you or a loved one have any questions on the in-home care we provide, please contact us at: 952-892-8403.

Local Summer Fun for Seniors

The summer is almost here…bringing warm weather, fun holidays, and activities for all! The summer is a good time for seniors to get out and have some fun. We have compiled a list of a few different local activities and summer fun that your loved ones can take advantage of here in the south metro area of the twin cities!

Outings–There are some great opportunities for seniors to make it out on outings or trips this summer in Minnesota! The second Tuesday of every month, the Minnesota Zoo has ‘Senior Day’ at their Imax Theater! The tickets are discounted at $5.00 per senior for a great experience! The dates coming up include: June 10th, July 8th, and August 12th, which Senior Helpers of Burnsville is sponsoring! For more information, visit: https://www.imax.com/oo/great-clips-imax-minnesota-zoo/groups-and-field-trips/seniors/. There are activities and outings available through local senior centers as well. Check out the Burnsville Senior center for fun activities and events going on at: http://www.communityed191.org/page/2555. Seniors can enjoy games, crafts, and other activities hosted by local senior centers.

Staying Active–Why not take advantage of the beautiful summer weather this year with your loved ones? Get out and hit the pavement! Encourage seniors to get walking outside. Make sure proper safety precautions are in place before doing so. There are fitness classes geared toward seniors as well. Check out your local senior center for a list of opportunities and activities! Senior water aerobics is a great low-impact activity that your loved ones can participate in to strengthen their muscles while enjoying the sunshine!

Get Involved–Let’s encourage our seniors to give back this summer! The Minnesota Senior Corps is a volunteer group of seniors 55 years and older looking to make a difference in others’ lives. They offer volunteering opportunities as a “foster grandparent” or a “senior companion”. This volunteer group gives seniors the opportunity to mentor the youth in their community or be there as a companion to support the elderly who desire to live independently. They can share their stories and give advice to younger generations or help the elderly with daily living tasks to support them in-home. For more information, visit: http://www.mnseniorcorps.org/.

The summer is right around the corner, giving many opportunities for our seniors to get out and enjoy themselves! There are many parks and recreational activities they can get involved in locally. Encourage them to get out and take a daily walk to strengthen their muscles and bones as well and get their daily dose of vitamin D! They can even take a few hours here and there to volunteer their time to give back to their community. Whatever they decide to do, they are sure to have a wonderful summer this year!

If you or a loved one are in need of in-home help, give Senior Helpers – Burnsville a call at 952-892-8403. We have trained and experienced caregivers who can be of assistance for you in taking care of your loved ones whether it is just for a few hours here and there or full 24-hour care.

Relaxation Ideas For Caregivers

As a caregiver, it is very important to take some time to care for yourself. Often, caregivers’ needs are put on the back-burner while caring for others. Neglecting your own needs in life can lead to some major repercussions, namely stress and caregiver burnout. This can lead to illness, irritability, loss of sleep and appetite, and exhaustion. Taking time, even just a few minutes here and there, to relax and focus on your emotional and physical health can greatly reduce the chance of developing stress and caregiver burnout. We have gathered some relaxation ideas that will be beneficial for the caregivers out there.

Breathe— Sometimes all you need to do is step back from a situation and breathe. When we are stressed out our breathing becomes shallow and uneven. Next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, concentrate on your breathing. Try and deepen your breath by drawing in from your stomach. Take deep, long inhales and exhales. With this technique, you will feel better in no time!

Pamper Yourself— Have a little “me-time”. It’s important to make yourself feel good. Get a massage, change up your hair-do, get a manicure/pedicure, or even just take a nice bubble bath. Spending time taking care of yourself will show you how important and special you are. Not only is it important to splurge on your happiness here and there, it is also important to make sure you’re meeting all of your emotional and physical needs.

Get Moving— Exercise is a proven stress-reducer. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed with caring for another, it is important to try and incorporate exercise into your regular routine. Walking is a great way to get your mind off of any stress you may be dealing with. With the Minnesota weather warming up, you can hit the pavement and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Pick an exercise or activity that you really enjoy and get moving. Your mind and body will both thank you!

Don’t forget that there are many resources and people out there that can help. If you are the primary caregiver for your loved one and it is getting to be too much for you, Senior Helpers is here to help. We can be there for you if you need to get out of the house and concentrate on taking care of your needs too. Give us a call at 952-892-8403 for more information on the services we provide!

Earth Day Activities for Seniors

Earth Day is fast approaching (April 22nd), and it is important for everyone to do what they can to help make the world a better and more enjoyable place to live. There are many small steps you and your loved ones can take to better the environment. We all can do a few things regularly to improve the condition of our surroundings. 

Get Involved— There are many different ways you and your loved ones can get involved this Earth Day here in Minnesota. Why not take your loved ones to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and learn about the environment? Find out more at: (http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/2014EarthDay.aspx).There is also an event going on at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on conservation. Find out more at: (http://www.comozooconservatory.org/events/special-events/). Grab your loved ones and check out the Midtown Global Market on April 21st for their early Earth Day Celebration. More information provided at: (http://midtownglobalmarket.org/events/april/136-earth-day-celebration). If you and your loved ones are up for it, there are many different Earth Day clean-ups going on in Minnesota this year as well. It is a great way to get involved with your community and help make it a nicer place to live.

Plant Something— In honor of Earth Day, get your loved ones together to plant something together. It could be something simple, like a flower pot or some sort of fruit or veggie, or you could even plant a small tree together. You will all enjoy the time spent watching nature grow. Get together and see what grows the best this time of year, and decide what you want to plant. Planting your own garden and eating home-grown food is a great way to connect with nature. Not only are you helping the environment, you’re also starting a tradition that will live on each and every Earth Day to come. 

Recycle— Nothing supports Earth Day more than recycling. Not only is it important to practice this habit on Earth Day, but you should make sure you and your loved ones are recycling regularly. Get organized with your recycling by having a designated bin just for your recyclables. This will hold you accountable for making sure you separate your trash from recycling. You can make a project out of up-cycling this Earth Day, too! Collect used up bottles, candles, boxes, and empty containers and re-use them in different ways. Our favorite way to up-cycle candle containers is to use them as apothecary jars.

Celebrate this Earth Day with your loved ones. Getting seniors involved with this holiday will give them a great sense of accomplishment in helping keep our environment clean and safe for everyone. It’s a great way to get involved with your community and make it a better place to live. Share with us your favorite ways of getting involved on Earth Day!

Stress Reduction Exercises

We all know that exercise has great benefits for our bodies. Have you ever thought about the benefits it has on our minds and stress levels? Exercise plays a very important role in keeping our stress at bay. Exercise raises our endorphin levels (the feel-good chemicals), it improves sleep, and helps with depression and anxiety.  We have put together a list of our favorite exercises and activities that help combat our stress. Let us know what helps keep your stress in check!

Yoga and Meditation–Want to experience the wonders of relaxation while still strengthening your body and mind? Give Yoga a try! The use of deep breathing stimulates relaxation, while the different poses and exercises concentrate on strengthening and lengthening your muscles. Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and is very tranquil. Meditation helps you sort through your good and your bad thoughts and helps keep you centered.

Walking— Don’t feel like going out for a jog or run? Not a problem! You can still get a great workout in by walking. It’s very simple to do and requires no equipment. It releases tension, deepens your breathing, and gets you moving outside, which is quite relaxing. Grab a buddy to mix a little socialization into your exercise and you’ll be sure to kick that stress out of your life!

Stretching –This is a great way to wind down after an exercise, get rid of any of that left-over stress, and really relax. Stretching relieves tension not only in your muscles but in your mind as well. It’s a great way to de-stress. Stress causes your muscles to contract and tense up in all parts of the body. Stretching allows your muscles to relax and will eliminate some of that tension. It also is a nice break for your mind to concentrate on other thoughts than the stresses of our daily lives.

It’s important to take the time out of our day to concentrate on keeping yourself healthy and stress-free. Built-up stress can cause a lot of problems, so you must take action when it comes to your health. Exercise works wonders on your body and mind and will help you combat stress. Before reaching for stress medication, or engaging in harmful activities to ease your stress, try getting a good exercise in. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel!

 

 

 

 

National Stress Awareness Month

It’s April, National Stress Awareness Month! This month is focused on stress and how to reduce it in a healthy manner. There are many aspects of life that bring on stress–it can even be this inconsistent Minnesota weather we just can’t seem to shake! Maybe you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one, juggling your work and home life, or in the process of pursuing a degree. Whatever the case may be, April is the perfect time to hone in on the stress you have been experiencing and deal with it appropriately. The purpose of Stress Awareness month is to inform people of the dangers stress presents, what can cause it, and how to cope and cure it in healthy ways.

Dangers–Stress can be a pretty dangerous thing if it isn’t controlled. It can wreck havoc on your heart and may play a part in heart attacks and sudden death. Stress also weakens your immune system making you more susceptible to illness. Stress may also lead to dangerous behavior like drinking alcohol, using drugs, and participating in risky behavior and activities to cope. It can also greatly diminish the amount of sleep you are getting each night.

Causes— There are a lot of different factors that go into one’s stress level. You may not enjoy your job, have a heavy workload, or maybe you just lost your job. You may be having relationship problems, may have experienced a recent loss, you may be the primary caregiver for a chronically ill loved one, or you may be the sole provider for your family. All of these and many other things are sure to cause some degree of stress in your life. A lot of stress factors cannot be controlled. With this in mind, the way you choose to handle your stress is very important.

Coping–Exercise is a wonderful and healthy way to combat your stress. Go for a run, walk, or bike ride and enjoy the fresh air as well. Yoga is also a great relaxation technique that can help alleviate some of your stress. Listening to music, writing, or spending leisurely time with friends and family are all great ways to get rid of stress as well. Choose healthy coping mechanisms and you’ll be on the right track to eliminating stress from your life.

With April being National Stress Awareness Month, know that there are people to help you deal with stress. If you are the primary caregiver for a loved one and it is becoming too stressful, or you are worried about who will be able to care for a loved one, give Senior Helpers – Burnsville a call at 952-892-8403. We have trained and experienced caregivers who can be of assistance for you in taking care of your loved ones whether it is just for a few hours here and there or full 24-hour care.

Spring Snacks for Seniors

It may be hard to believe with the way this Minnesota winter has dragged on, but we have technically reached Spring–finally! With the weather warming up in the next few months (fingers crossed), comes a wide variety of in-season produce to snack on. We have compiled a list of a few healthy snack options to incorporate into your loved ones’ meal plans. The spring is the perfect time to get healthy and snacking should be no exception! You’ll want to bring on snacks that are high in fiber content, as they will fill you up and hold you over between meals. This will prevent you and your loved ones from overeating (fruits and veggies are ALWAYS a good choice).

Celery & Nut Butter – We love this combination! The fiber in the celery will fill you up, while you get a healthy dose of protein and fat from the nut butter of your choice (tip: if you have a nut allergy, try sunbutter–it’s made of sunflower seeds). You can add raisins on top for a sweetened taste. Don’t like celery? Nut butter is great when paired with your favorite type of apple. This snack is loved by all ages!

Strawberry Sandwich (PB&S) – Strawberries are soon to be in season! Enjoy these antioxidant-rich berries as a substitute for sugar-laden jelly. Grab some whole-grain bread, spread some nut butter of your choice on the bread, and top with cut up strawberries. This is a great way to enjoy this in-season berry, and it is a fun spin on the classic PB&J snack.

Kale Chips – Want a healthy alternative to those deep-fried chips we all love to enjoy every now and then? Try some kale chips! They are insanely good for you, and taste very similar to the crunchy, oily chips we are used to. Start with a bunch of washed, chopped kale. Lightly coat in olive oil and salt (you can add paprika and chile powder if you want something spicy) and bake in the oven for 7 minutes at 365 degrees. Your loved ones will never believe that these green chips are as healthy as they are delicious!

We hope the warm weather is on its way soon–but in the meantime, try out these healthy spring snacks and let us know what you think! If you or your loved one is in need of a little assistance when it comes to healthy meal planning and preparation, give Senior Helpers – Burnsville a call at: 952-892-8403. We have trained and experienced caregivers who can help keep you or a loved one on track this spring with healthy meals and snacks.